2004 Chateau Faugeres
By Chateau Peby Faugeres
2004 Chateau Faugeres from Chateau Peby Faugeres, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The year 2004 stood apart in the exquisite constellation of Bordeaux vintages. Although it may not have garnered the immediate encomiums of its immediate predecessors, discerning collectors will note the 2004 Chateau Faugeres from Chateau Peby Faugeres presents an elegantly structured expression of the revered Saint-Emilion terroir. Patience has rewarded those who have allowed this vintage to mature gracefully in their cellars.
A Quiet Triumph of Terroir
Chateau Peby Faugeres has a penchant for coaxing the profound essence out of the merlot-dominated blend that defines their production. In 2004, cooler temperatures and a prolonged growing season conspired to produce a vintage more restrained and complex than the arguably more flamboyant years surrounding it. Rich dark berries, hints of truffle, and an earthy minerality embrace the palate, crowned by finely-woven tannins that reveal themselves more fully with each passing year.
Vintage Investment: A Worthy Consideration
The 2004 Chateau Faugeres represents a strategic accession point for fine wine investors. While not as ostentatious as other years, its quiet complexity and current drinking window provide an offering that is ripe for enjoyment yet still holds potential for further development. It may not have the cachet of the lauded "great" vintages, but therein lies its intrigue—the astute investor understands that such vintages often emerge over time as understated gems within a portfolio.
On reflection, the 2004 vintage from Chateau Peby Faugeres pays homage to the finesse of Saint-Emilion’s limestone terroir with a wine that has beautifully evolved, asserting itself as one of discerning character and appreciable depth. A sophisticated choice for those seeking both drinking pleasure and investment wisdom, this Chateau Faugeres embodies the confluence of dedication, diligence, and time—foundational pillars upon which wine investment is built.
Market price (GBP)
£900.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
75
Scores and tasting notes
The estate’s luxury cuvee, the 2004 Peby Faugeres, is fashioned from the oldest slopes with the finest exposure (45-year-old, 100% Merlot vines). A blockbuster for the vintage, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color along with notes of graphite, black currants, blackberries, sweet cherry liqueur, toasty oak, and licorice. Dense, full-bodied, and powerful with elevated tannins as well as enough extravagant fruit and richness for balance, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for two decades.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 28 June 2007