Chateau de Fargues 1988

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The estate describes this as the most elegant and racy of the trilogy, a late harvest saved by an Indian summer. The botrytis infection was slow and consequently the harvest could not begin until October6, the most concentrated grapes picked between November 5-8 and then remarkably late, from November 15-23. It offers 13.95% alcohol and 122 grams residual sugar per liter. I just love this nose – a glorious bouquet of ripe Clementine, mandarin, a slight adhesive scent and dandelion. The palate is superbly balanced with a keen line of acidity, beautifully poised dried mango and mandarin flavors, plus a touch of white pepper enlivening the finish. There is a Barsac like quality to this most Sauternes of Sauternes! Drinking superbly now. Tasted April 2013."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fully mature, this charmer has everything needed for a sweet treat. The honeyed, tropical fruit, apricots, flowers and marmalade in the nose are complicated with the addition of butter cookie aromatics and candied orange. Fresh, sweet, and lively, due to the refreshing acidity, this is at peak today."