1997 Figeac

This wine, which was light but charming prior to bottling, appears to have lost what little flesh and allure it once possessed. Light ruby-colored, with insignificant body, a cedary, washed-out, vegetal nose, and short finish, it is a thin, disappointing St.-Emilion. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Wine Advocate.April, 2000

Tasted at the property, the 1997 Figeac has seemed to endure difficult adolescence and received some poor reviews. Now approaching 20 years old, it has pulled through and reached maturity to offer vestiges of pleasure. The bouquet demonstrated more intensity than I anticipated: melted tar mixed with mulberry and redcurrant, a light tobacco note emerging with time and eventually dominating the aromatic profile. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin, tobacco and cigar box, fully mature as it expresses secondary notes, any primary fruit fading with time. This 1997 is masculine and almost Saint Julien in style, attenuating towards the finish, clearly a Figeac that is reaching the end of its drinking window. I am not sure that it is a wine I would dive in and buy, rather one that I might select if found on a restaurant list at a decent price. Tasted June 2016. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com