1986 Château Figeac
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Figeac does not quite match the previous bottles I tasted twice at the property in 2015. It has a cohesive, quite Left Bank style nose with leather and cedar, less of the truffle quotient than before. The palate is medium-bodied but certainly endowed with a firm structure. The Cabernet is more expressive than the Merlot and yet not delivering close to the quality that I believe Figeac has done since 2013. It is certainly attractive in the sense of classic, traditional Saint-Émilion, yet you come away with a feeling that it never reaches its full potential. Tasted at Christies' Figeac dinner with Marie-France Manoncourt.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. I am wondering whether I have underestimated the 1986 Figeac given the performance of this bottle, which was far superior to anything encountered previously. It has a compelling, almost Saint Julien-like nose with truffle and leather. It is not intense, but it is certainly full of personality. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity; foursquare and conservative, but balanced. It does not possess enormous length and one can still argue that its Cabernet component ought to have bestowed the finest Saint Emilion in a vintage that did not favor the Merlot-based commune. Nevertheless, this remains thoroughly enjoyable and shows class. Tasted June 2015.
Dark ruby with pale rim. Lots of minerality and freshness on the nose. Rather an odd nose. Excellent succulent nose and very racy fresh pure fruit. Super clean. Long and reverberant. Dry finish. Clean, direct. Confident. (JR)
Dark ruby. Floral nose. Succulent. Very interesting and knife edge! Rather burgundian in style because of its combination of freshness and sweetness. Dry finish. (JR)
About the producer
Sitting on the border with Pomerol, Ch. Figeac is a distinguished Saint-Emilion estate that produces some of the region's most sought-after wines. As of 2022, it is officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, one of the appellation's top estates along with Ch. Pavie.