CHÂTEAU FIGEAC

A touch of austerity on the opening beats, this is more tannic than many in St Emilion at the 10 year window, and will benefit from another few years in bottle. The fruits major on atumunal raspbery, blackcurrant, blackberry with liqourice, toast and fennel. Enjoyable, good quality, subtle and nuanced. The first year when Michel Rolland was brought in as consultant (although only for the blending of this wine), following disappointment that the estate was not promoted in the classification. Rating: 93 Jane Anson, www.janeanson.com (Mar 2022)

Michel Rolland made the blend of the 2012: 40% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon (the 2010 was one-third of each grape variety). It has a dark purple colour. The nose is bashful at first, well defined with expressive Cabernet Sauvignon imparting subtle cedar and mint aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with an edge entry defined by slightly chalky tannins. There is a touch for Szechuan pepper at the tip of the tongue and to be honest, it is missing a little weight on the mid-palate due to the growing season. It has a little more harmony on the finish than previous year, maintaining the fresh Figeac style, but with more composure. Bodes well for the future. Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2013)

The dark ruby/garnet/plum-colored 2012 Figeac is somewhat angular (no doubt because the Cabernet Sauvignon was not as ripe as it could have been), but it possesses an attractive, cedary, underbrush, Christmas fruitcake, black cherry and black currant-scented nose. Elegant and medium-weight with good purity as well as a slightly narrow finish, it is a very good to excellent Figeac that should drink well for 12-15 years. Several months ago the big news in Bordeaux was that Madame Manoncourt, the incredibly charming, vibrant, 80-year-old owner of Figeac, decided a make-over was necessary for this estate to regain its proper place in the market as well as elevate its quality, which has been mixed since their last great vintages of 1964 and 1970. Michel Rolland was brought in as the consultant, although he only did the assemblage (blending) for the 2012. He will have full control over the 2013. 2013 - 2028 Rating: 86-88 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2013)