1975 Figeac, St-Emilion

“Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property, this was the second time that I have tasted the 1975 Château Figeac from magnum. It is a wonderful Saint Emilion that continues to dole out pleasure. First and foremost, it boasts far more fruit concentration than either the 1978 or 1979: mulberry and smudged strawberry mixed with lavender and later, espresso. I notice just a touch of chlorine developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with very good depth of fruit that lends real presence to this Saint Emilion. It is very well balanced, notes of bay leaf and sandalwood developing all the time in the glass, poised and sporting an almost medicinal finish. This is a great, old school Figeac that is still delivering the goods. The larger format and provenance doubtless played a role in the strong performance of this 1975, however good bottles are still worth seeking out. Tasted June 2015. (NM)” (08/2016)

“The 1975 Figeac is a wine I have drunk several times, though never from jeroboam. This is showing moderate degradation on the rim. The nose presents a mixture of red and black fruit, mocha and leather; an odd, almost petrol-like tincture appears fleetingly. The palate is well balanced, not powerful, yet I find this quite complex with admirable purity. Marmalade hints lend tanginess to the finish; light touches of menthol linger on the aftertaste. Lovely. (NM)” (01/2023)

“While the 1975 vintage is purported to only be great in Pomerol, I have had some absolutely wonderful examples from St. Émilion as well from this year and the ’75 Figeac is certainly a fine, fine bottle. The bouquet is deep, complex and à point, as it wafts from the glass in a classy mélange of roasted cassis, woodsmoke, coffee, a touch of meatiness, a lovely base of soil and a nice touch of Christmas spice in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, medium-full and nicely resolved, with a good core of fruit, lovely, tertiary layers of complexity, fading tannins and lovely length and grip on the complex finish. This is not as fleshy and red fruity as most mature vintages of Figeac, but it is a lovely, soil-driven and perfectly balanced bottle of mature claret.” (01/2012)

“Magnum. Dark ruby and glowing. Pale rim. Iodine notes. Lovely. Still some tannin. Clean and fresh. 17/20 points (JR)” (06/2015)