Figeac 1970

The 1970 Figeac, a vintage not encountered for some while, comes from a golden era for the estate. This bottle has a delicate, slightly minty nose that becomes more cedary with time, with hints of meat juices, maybe showing a little more "funk" compared to other bottles. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, cohering nicely in the glass and gaining more and more personality in the glass. The Cabernet components take the reins toward the finish with light tobacco and bay leaf notes. Maybe I would not leave this too much longer? Tasted at Medlar restaurant to celebrate my The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide book. (Drink between 2023-2033)

Clear truffles, tobacco, cold ash, earth and gentle raspberry fruits, finishing up with saffron and a mouthwatering salinity on the finish. Easy to drink, savoury and gentle and unquestionably on its tertiary phase, but full of cheer and life still, a totally gorgeous wine that begs for a good book. (Drink between 2021-2028)

Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property, the 1970 Château Figeac, which was tasted from magnum, has weathered well over the years. It has a thin tawny rim with a mahogany core. The nose is fragrant and perhaps a little rustic, leaning towards the herbaceous side with a ferrous tincture. I would not describe the aromatics as being "past their best," but they have perhaps lost some vigor and I discerned my fruité exhibited by the 1975 Figeac. The palate is well balanced and showed more chutzpah than the nose, elegant and refined with vestiges of red plum and cranberry laced with undergrowth and tobacco. I cannot help feeling that this wine peaked 15 to 20 years ago—there is something elegiac about the 1970—a Figeac that has seen better days, but will continue to give pleasure. Drink: 2016 - 2025