Sauternes 2015 Offer

The 2015 Filhot has a rather Germanic, oily bouquet that lacks the definition and purity of its peers. It needs more lift from the glass. The palate is balanced with a viscous opening, more complex and focused than the aromatics suggest with a citrus-fresh, honeyed finish that feels pure and persistent. This could be excellent if the bouquet improved with bottle age and my score gives it the benefit of the doubt. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. NEAL MARTIN, Vinous

The 2015 Chateau de Fargues delivers 153 grams per liter of residual sugar at 13.8% alcohol. It has a complex bouquet with honey, marmalade and quince aromas that are beautifully defined, but will clearly take a few years to reach their full potential. The palate is very sensual on the entry, honeyed and lavish at the beginning, but retaining wonderful precision and persistence on the lightly spiced finish. This is a seriously good de Fargues that should age effortlessly over the next 30-40 years. As usual, this is one for the serious Sauternes-lovers who know that good things come to those that wait. (98) WINE ADVOCATE

The 2015 de Fargues feels a little reduced on the nose at the moment, although it seems clean and pure underneath that SO2, with honeycomb and crème brûlée notes emerging with time. The palate is fresh and well balanced with quite a high-toned entry, lively orange zest and marmalade notes with veins of quince jam toward the finish. This Sauternes improves in the glass and has great potential. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting. (96+) NEAL MARTIN

Marked by a fairly prominent oakiness now, this is rich and creamy, very concentrated, with sumptuous apricot fruit. There's just the right balance between opulence and precision, so this has great potential, with admirable persistence. (95) DECANTER