Château Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2005
A blend of equal parts of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the “Médoc of St Emilion” has this year produced another wine of infinite charm and character. It has a sweet nose of violets and blueberry, and even a tropical hint of banana; the palate is hugely satisfying, deep and ripe with a mouth-filling texture and good weight, blackcurrant fruit and velvety tannins, and the finish is rounded and balanced.
critic reviews
Cedar, ash, sandalwood, blackberry, with layers of nuanced, finessed yet gourmet flavours that Figeac delivers so well. The oak is fully integrated at 17 years old, beginning to hit its stride, and the exuberance is tempered by savoury redcurrant and soft tobacco notes on the mouthwatering finish. 100% new oak for ageing, 37hl/h yield from 40ha of vines. Harvest September 14 to October 3.
The 2005 Figeac has been a variable performer over the years, one where you never quite know what to expect until you pull the corks. As usual, it has a sullen bouquet at first before offering broody black fruit laced with melted tar and tobacco, hints of liquorice almost reluctantly evolving with time. The palate is medium-bodied and quite conservative, rather static in the glass, missing the tension and animation that I think recent vintages have conveyed. There is an impressive solid nature to this Figeac, though it lacks that crucial element...charm. Tasted at the Christies' Figeac dinner.