Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Right Bank > St Emilion |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
As befitting a wine with considerable Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the blend, this is a stylish, mid-weight effort with an opulent, complex bouquet of licorice, Asian spices, tobacco and fruitcake. Obvious black currants, smoke, vanilla, and new saddle leather are prominent in the wine's beautifully knit flavors. This opulent, rich, concentrated, layered, pure, complex 1998 reveals low acidity as well as ripe tannin, suggesting it will be impossible to resist young. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Last tasted, 3/02.
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property from magnum, the 1998 Château Figeac is one of the best wines from this era, one where I feel that this Saint Emilion lost its way a little. It has a conservative nose, at least for the habitually opulent Right Banks in this vintage, with meaty, dried blood aromas infusing the rustic red berry fruit, later developing light ferrous/copper piping scents. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity. The tannins are now softened with age and there is a tang of orange zest interlacing the red berry fruit on the finish. Slightly grainy in texture, it does not offer the opulence of other Right Bank Saint Emilions, though it is keeping with the Figeac style. I would start opening bottles now, however this 1998 will keep giving pleasure for another two decades.
There is a superb, solid core of fruit in this wine. It's full bodied, yet refined, with a thick, velvety mouthfeel and a long, long finish. Wonderful texture.
Mid crimson with development. Really fully evolved nose – lots of meat and blood. Very slightly sweaty note but lots of energetic fruit. Slight streak of rusty nails on the finish.
In total contrast (to the 1997), this is the finest Figeac produced since 1990. Although not massive (this estate never produces anything approaching big or super-rich), it is a dark ruby-coloured, subtle wine offering a delicate nose of black cherries, balsam wood, herbs, olives and toast. As the wine sat in the glass, additional aromas of black raspberries emerged, and the wine became even more velvety-textured and attractive, largely because of its ripe, sweet fruit and low acidity. A sweet mid-palate, lush texture, fine concentration, and an absence of hard edges have resulted in a beautiful expression of finesse and elegance. The 1998 should continue to develop nicely for 12-14 years.