2017 Chateau Faugeres
By Chateau Peby Faugeres
2017 Château Faugeres from Château Peby Faugeres, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux
Every vintage tells a story; the 2017 Château Faugeres from Château Peby Faugeres speaks of resilience and unexpected grace. The season was not without its challenges in the storied Saint-Émilion terroir; frost early in the growing season set a complex stage for viticulture, yet finding such exemplary expression as one tastes in this 2017 vintage is a testament to adept vineyard stewardship and winemaking prowess.
Character in adversity: The 2017 hallmark
The limited yields of the 2017 season have undeniably contributed to the concentrated and articulate character found in this bottle. What could have spelled disaster for less attentive producers served to underscore the pedigree of Château Peby Faugeres. Their dedication to sustainable viticulture and meticulous selection has yielded a wine that not merely triumphed over adversity but boasts unique attributes that discerning collectors should covet.
With its composed blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 Château Faugeres offers notes of ripe black cherries balanced by a subtle earthiness and tasteful hints of oak — a reflection of its aging in select barrels. On the palate, it unfolds with an elegant complexity; tannins are refined but present, rightfully promising continued evolution and improved finesse over time.
An investable treasury from Saint-Émilion
All things considered, the 2017 Château Faugeres stands as an ode to an embattled yet exceptional vintage, shaped by hands both skilled and patient. It presents not just a drink of pleasure but an opportunity for wine investment — its rarity and distinct profile place it intriguingly for maturation and appreciation in both senses of the word.
In conclusion, the true magic of this wine lies not solely in its aromatic layers or structural elegance, but in its stirring narrative of 2017's tribulations overcome. This capably crafted elixir represents a compelling acquisition for those looking to diversify their fine wine portfolios with a bottle that personifies both the vulnerability and potential triumph inherent in every vintage’s journey from grape to glass.
Market price (HKD)
HK$8,760.00
12x75cl
Highest score
96
POP score
57.5
Scores and tasting notes
Beautiful red with a supple and juicy undertone to the full body, pretty fruit and ripe tannins. Very refined and polished. Subtle chocolate and bluefruit. Love the layers and complexity. Really fine and juicy. Real merlot.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Peby Faugeres leaps from the glass with vibrant scents of kirsch, Black Forest cake, blueberry preserves and red roses plus nuances of charcuterie and Ceylon tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is chock-full of crunchy black and blue fruit flavors, framed by plush tannins and oodles of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Not the usual, hedonic Peby Faugeres—I do love this more elegant, refreshing style! It is composed of 100% Merlot and was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 65% new. 10,000 bottles were made, representing 70% grand vin. Best of all, the alcohol rocks up at 14.5%—over that pesky 14% USA trade tariff threshold!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 16 March 2020
Made of 100% Merlot, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Peby Faugeres opens with crushed blackcurrants, blackberry compote and plum preserves with touches of Chinese five spice and potpourri. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the black fruit and spicy flavors, supported by firm yet velvety tannins and ample freshness, finishing long and spicy.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com
The 2017 Peby Faugères is powerful, rich, dense and explosive. Always one of the more flamboyant wines in Saint-Émilion, the Peby possesses tremendous intensity from start to finish. Raspberry jam, red cherry, wild flowers and sweet spices build to a super-expressive crescendo. In 2017, Peby is a bit more feminine than it usually is. Even so, the 2017 is full-throttle and absolutely delicious. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni - Antonio Galloni - vinous.com - May '18
Lively, with bright raspberry and damson plum coulis flavors bouncing along atop a brambly structure and fresh acidity. Shows some sneaky depth. Lovely fruit.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
Made of 100% Merlot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Le Merle de Peby Faugeres has lovely warm plums, blackberry compote and mulberries scents with hints of spice cake and potpourri. The palate is medium-bodied, finely crafted and refreshing, packed with black fruits and framed by soft tannins, finishing spicy.
Wine Advocate - Lisa Perrotti-Brown - robertparker.com