Faugères 2007

One of the stars of the vintage, the opaque ruby/purple-colored 2007 Faugeres shows lots of graphite, vanillin, blueberry, black currant, licorice, and crushed rock characteristics. Surprisingly dense and full-bodied for a 2007, with sweet tannin and low acidity, it should drink nicely for 10-12 years. Drink 2010-2022.

This has always been a good estate, but the new proprietor, Silvio Denz, has pushed things to a higher standard by lowering yields and doing an even stricter selection.

Very deep blackish crimson. Rich and meaty nose – classic St-Émilion. Sweet and rich and opulent and really quite heady. To produce this sort of sensation surely takes and asks for a lot of money…? Certainly stands out from the crowd! Not classical but well done. For modernists. Just a little green on the finish. Drink 2011-2017

Medium ruby. Black cherry, licorice and a hint of game on the nose. Supple, broad and perfumed, with a restrained sweetness and an impression of rather extractive vinification. Finishes with dusty tannins and a flavor of dark chocolate. (A second sample was a bit cooler and more minty.)

Medium ruby. Perfumed aromas of black cherry, violet and bitter chocolate. Suave and juicy, with good cut to the flavors of blackberry, violet, bitter chocolate and mint. Offers a restrained sweetness and enough stuffing to support its fairly substantial tannins. Good mineral lift contributes perfume. On the finish this tastes like a bar of dark chocolate.