Figeac 2006

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted blind at Southwold ’06 Bordeaux tasting. This is a vexing Saint Emilion that has shown great promise and been very disappointing in barrel. How would is show blind? It has a rather oaky nose that obfuscates the fruit at this point, becoming more roasted and bretty with further aeration. The palate is dense on the entry that roasted element suffusing the black fruit, although there is good acidity with sappy raspberry, cedar and spice towards the finish that just needs more tension and vivacity. Give this time…after all, it is Figeac! Tasted January 2010.

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

This is still showing quite stalky on the nose, but then again this is Figeac. But good fruit intensity evolving in the glass. The palate is harmonious, the Cabernet Franc leading proceedings with savoury fruit, a touch of dark chocolate, good fruit intensity towards the finish but not overpowering. Nice focus on the finish. Good potential but needs time. Tasted February 2008.

robert_parker92

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted twice in Bordeaux with questions marks over the ripeness (83-85) each time but re-tasting back in London, a far superior sample. Muted, perhaps rather disjointed on the nose with a slight savoury edge and a touch of burnt toasty. The palate has a sharp entry but like Pavie Macquin gains in stature with just 2-3 minutes in the glass, revealing a touch of green pepper intertwined with succulent blackberry and boysenberry fruit. Masculine as usual but with no greenness on the finish that marred some of the bottles in Bordeaux. Dry, conservative, tannic finish. I remain optimistic that this Figeac will come round in time. Tasted April 2007.

robert_parker89

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London and subsequently blind at Farr Vintners' tasting, the 2006 Château Figeac has an open-knit, meaty, Cabernet Franc-driven bouquet with hints of scorched earth and bell pepper infusing the black fruit, later cigar box and smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a little dryness in the mouth, certainly not a fruit-driven Figeac, although it is nicely balanced on the simple Cabernet-driven finish. Drink this over the next 5-6 years - not a bad Figeac, but it is surpassed by many other vintages in recent years. Tasted April 2016.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. The 2006 Figeac is a success for what was a modest Right Bank vintage. The Cabernet Sauvignon is most expressive on the nose at the moment, reserved but nicely defined with pencil lead and light ferrous scents emerging. The palate is medium-bodied with a dash of pepper on the entry. This is youthful but approachable, not long in the mouth, but "cool, calm and collected." This is a fine Figeac destined to give a couple of decade's worth of pleasure. Tasted June 2015.

robert_parker90

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

This elegant, precocious, surprisingly soft, up-front-styled St.-Emilion possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as sweet aromas of menthol, fruitcake, cherries, and black currants. Round and medium-bodied with silky tannins and a sensual, evolved, precocious style, it can be enjoyed over the next 10-14 years.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2006 Figeac is a vintage that I have appreciated for some time, though this might be its best showing. Well-defined and vibrant on the nose, it is quite precise with expressive Cabernet Franc, touches of freshly-rolled tobacco and sage infusing the brambly red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins, displaying a discrete marine influence. Hints of black olive emerge towards the finish with a touch of pencil box. Maybe it just stumbles in the final furlongs, yet it is a solid Figeac trying its damn best to please, despite its shortcomings. Tasted at the 2006 Bordeaux tasting at the Savoy Hotel, London.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Bright ruby-red. Cassis, licorice pastille, graphite and violet on the lively nose. Suave and fine-grained; not a hugely ripe style but elegant and classically dry, with the wine's mint, licorice and herbal cabernet component dominating today. Finishes quite firm and a tad dry, with building tannins.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Good ruby-red. Expressive aromas of redcurrant, underbrush, mocha, smoke and nutty oak. Juicy, spicy and on the lean side, but with very good firmness and lift to the redcurrant and tobacco flavors. This began a bit dry on the back but gained sweetness with air, ultimately showing supple, ripe tannins and lingering juicy fruit.

vinous89

Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer

Bright ruby-red. The nose suggests a wide range of ripeness, with cool aromas of cassis, licorice, mint and herbs along with hints of black cherry liqueur and prune. At once dry and deep, with a chewy texture to the flavors. One senses the cabernet here. Finishes with granular tannins that show a bit of dryness with aeration. I should note that some early tasters liked this wine more than I did. Perhaps my sample was not representative.