Figeac 1998

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Undoubtedly, this is the finest Figeac produced since the gorgeously rich, complex 1990. This perennial under-achiever has turned out a sexy, complex, elegant wine with a dark ruby color, cedar, cigar box, spice, and black currant scents, and a medium-bodied, supple, round, velvety-textured personality. With beautiful fruit and nicely integrated tannin, it is not a blockbuster, but a Figeac that combines richness with a stylish yet intense perfume. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Although not massive (this estate never produces anything approaching big or super-rich), this is a dark ruby-colored, 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. This 1998 should continue to develop nicely for 12-14 years.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Disappointing out of barrel, but fortunately a better bottle in April 2003 at the La Vigeronne vertical. A similar colour to the 1999 although the nose is more open-knit and concentrated with one-dimensional cherry fruits. The palate is concentrated but has noticeable acidity with a touch of espresso on the finish. Moderate length. A good Figeac although below the quality of l’Angelus, Troplong Mondot or Pavie. Tasted April 2003.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

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.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

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 fruit cake. Obvious black currants, smoke, vanillin, 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.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

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.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Full medium ruby. Rich, new-oaky nose of raspberry, cedar and coffee shows an almost liqueur-like sweetness. Dense, sweet and refined, with superb richness for Figeac. Still quite youthful. Finishes with huge but fine oak-influenced tannins and excellent persistence. Drink 2008 through 2025.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Medium red. Pungent red cherry and red raspberry aromas complicated by exotic spice notes of nutmeg, sandalwood and mace and a suggestion of iron. Juicy and sharply delineated, with firm, ripe acids and a strong core of spice giving this wine a compelling penetrating quality. Texture more like cabernet than merlot. Finishes with dusty, toothcoating tannins and excellent length and grip. Not opulent but intensely flavored and stylish.

vinous91

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good ruby-red. Explosive roasted nose melds raspberry, tobacco, grilled nuts and smoky oak. Dense and solidly structured, with complicating notes of nuts, minerals and currant leaf. More closed today than the '99, but there's also more volume here. Finishes with big, dusty tannins and very good grip and length. Classy and worthy of cellaring. A very successful vintage for Figeac.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Saturated deep ruby. Complex aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, minerals, leather, tobacco, cocoa powder, violet and fresh herbs. Bright, firmly structured and penetrating, thanks to lively acidity and a mineral austerity. Quite concentrated, dense and chocolatey for a young Figeac, and backward for the vintage. Finishes with thick, palate-dusting tannins and excellent length. Should be long-lived.