Figeac 2001

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is adorned with a rather leathery, earthy nose that is lacking some fruit concentration. The palate is medium-bodied, very well balanced with toasty red-berried fruits, fine tannins and a clean, well-defined finish of raspberry leaf, briary, a hint of espresso and a touch of leather. Very pure although a little short on the finish. Needs some time. Tasted October 2007.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

It is no surprise that when tasted immediately prior to bottling this wine exhibited far more weight, texture, and depth of fruit than it did previously. Deep ruby/plum, with a sweet nose of black raspberries, blackberries, plum, and licorice, this medium-bodied, elegant Figeac exhibits good sweetness, plenty of precocious complexity, and a ripe, long, nicely textured finish. As I predicted early on, it has developed more weight and texture, as this wine and its nearby neighbor, Cheval Blanc, so often do. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2018.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

A minty, herbal characteristic combines with scents of incense, black currants, cherries, smoke, and licorice in this complex, pure 2001. It was a bit closed on the three occasions I tasted it, but it was certainly medium-bodied and elegant, with loads of nobility/pedigree, and the potential to be outstanding. Give it 1-2 years of cellaring, and drink it over the following 12-15.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

One of the best Right Bank wines in 2001. A very complex nose of blackberry, peppermint and earth. A fleshy palate with garrigue, charcoal quality to it. Elegant with a powerful finish (perhaps a little too abrupt) but nonetheless a great Figeac. Tasted April 2003.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property from magnum, the 2001 Figeac is beginning to fulfill its early promise and is evolving into a really quite wonderful Saint Emilion. Deep in color, the nose is initially reserved, but it unfurls to offer enticing mint and salted licorice scents, pencil box and musk that are all beautifully focused. The palate is well balanced with very well-judged acidity. The Cabernet Franc shines through and imparts a subtle bell pepper note. This is fresh and still youthful, refined and poised with veins of blood orange. Coming into its own now after 15 years in bottle, this is open for business and should offer another two decades of drinking pleasure. This 2001 deserves decanting as I observed this improving in the glass. Tasted June 2015.

robert_parker88

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This 2001 tasted light on the several occasions I had it. It reveals notes of dried Provencal herbs, cedar, balsam, and red/black currants, light to medium body, soft fruit, good spice, and a perfumed style. The bouquet displays multiple nuances, and with aging, the wine should, hopefully, develop more weight. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2013.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

As expected, the 2001 Figeac in large format is much more backward than numerous encounters in bottle. The initial red fruits (cranberry and raspberry) are soon usurped by black fruit mixed with truffle and incense, with light gravelly scents in the background. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with very expressive Cabernets, dried blood and clove; it fans out with brio towards the finish. While regular formats are à point, this double magnum needs several years. Served at the Château Figeac to celebrate the opening of their new chai.

vinous92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2001 Figeac is slightly deeper in color compared to the 2000. It has a brighter nose of black and red fruit intermingling with pencil lead and black truffle shavings, plus a very light menthol note in the background. The sensual palate is smooth on the entry and more plush and pliant than the 2000. Dried blood, allspice and clove infuse the red fruit, although there is not the sustain one finds in more recent vintages. Still, this Figeac is à point and will continue to offer immense pleasure.

vinous88

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Red-ruby. Minerally aromas of currant, raspberry, tobacco, smoke and flint. Supple and pliant, with suave, nuanced flavors of raspberry, currant, smoke and game. This has absorbed its oak nicely. Finishes with dusty, ripe tannins.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good medium red. Sexy brown spices lift the black raspberry, cedar and roast coffee components on the nose. Supple and silky on entry, then distinctly cabernet-like in the middle, with sappy flavors of currant, black cherry, cedar, mint, roast coffee and burnt licorice. Seems rather dominated by its oak today, and finishes with somewhat angular tannins and a leathery element. (A second sample, tasted away from the chateau, showed a silkier, suaver texture leavened by nicely integrated acidity and lusher, sweeter tannins.) Aramon feels that the 2002 tannins are rounder and sweeter, but notes that this wine has a higher pH.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

(a blend of 35% merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon and 30% cabernet franc) Medium bright ruby. Cool, perfumed aromas of currant, cassis, licorice, roast coffee, cedar, violet and tobacco leaf. Juicy, spicy and penetrating; youthfully lean today, with good cut and a minty nuance. A distinctly low-fat version of a right-bank wine, in the classic style of an infant Figeac. Very young and hard to assess today; seems a bit dried by the 100% new oak. A second sample, tasted away from the chateau, showed a markedly more silky texture and more stuffing; here the tannins seemed finer and hit the palate later. My score is for the slightly better second sample.