1998 Figeac

The 1998 Figeac, now at 20 years old, was a vintage that was affected by the hailstorm during the summer. This bottle is more open than the magnum poured at the vertical in 2015, but the aromatic profile is the same with rustic red berry fruit, ferrous notes and just a touch of juniper berry. The palate is medium-bodied with solid tannin that have softened in recent years, grainy in texture with a linear, Cabernet-driven finish that denudes this Figeac the opulence of its peers. It is a fine Figeac although it would not be in the top drawer of vintages. Tasted at the château.

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. Tasted June 2015.

Dark crimson. Pungent and particularly spicy – almost cinnamon – but transparent. Fresh. Tannins have subsided. (JR)