2003 Chateau Faugeres
By Chateau Peby Faugeres
2003 Chateau Faugeres from Chateau Peby Faugeres, Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux
The year 2003 in Bordeaux is immediately marked in one's mind as the year of the European heatwave, a profoundly pivotal moment for viticulturists and winemakers across the continent. It is amidst these historical meteorological conditions that the 2003 Chateau Faugeres from Chateau Peby Faugeres crafted a narrative of triumph over adversity in the hallowed region of Saint-Emilion.
A Vintage Carved by the Sun
Celebrated for its Merlot-led blends, Saint-Emilion was indictably impacted by 2003’s relentless sun, offering challenges that became opportunities for estates with an eye for meticulous vineyard management. In such a setting, Chateau Faugeres stood out: their vintage speaks not only of ripened fruit but of a commendable balance achieved through precise vinification techniques under duress. This is testimony to the resilience of their terroir and the adeptness of their team.
The Nectar of a Temperate Microclimate
The 2003 Chateau Faugeres notably possesses a generous bouquet that reveals plush plum and blackcurrant hues, intertwined with subtle spice notes – perhaps a whisper of cinnamon – inviting one into the glass. On the palate, the wine unfolds with a structured body enveloping rounded tannins, hinting at careful ageing yet suggesting an undercurrent of freshness unpredicted for such an arid year.
In terms of investment potential, this storied vintage from Chateau Peby Faugeres adds another layer of intrigue to any discerning collector’s cache. Complexities derived from a unique climatic phenomenon make the 2003 vintage a compelling chapter in Bordeaux’s narrative and a testament to how even nature's extremities are woven into fine wine's fabric.
As I recollect my experience with this vintage; it strikes me how 2003 Chateau Faugeres has matured with dignity, showcasing an admirable evolution reflective of its birth year's intensity. A truly distinguished addition to Saint-Emilion’s rich tapestry, it now emerges as one of our time's insightful acquisitions for those committed to the chronicles and future heritage of fine wines.
Market price (USD)
$1,380.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
80.71
Scores and tasting notes
Even better than I remember, this was the penultimate vintage for proprietor Corinne Guisez before she sold her estate to the quality-conscious Silvio Denz. The 2003 Peby Faugeres was made from 100% Merlot and tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare. Still youthful, it reveals lots of melted chocolate, espresso roast, blueberry, blackberry and floral notes. The wine is intense, opulent, rich, fresh, stunningly long and multidimensional. A superb example of the so-called garagiste winemaking in St. Emilion that has brilliantly stood the test of time, it should continue to provide pleasure for 4-6 more years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 27 August 2014