1950 Figeac
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. The 1950 Château Figeac is simply a magnificent wine from a brilliant Right Bank vintage. Provenance played a part here, since it came from a magnum directly from the chateau's cellars. Dating before the 1956 frosts, it would have contained some Malbec and Petit Verdot; according to proprietor Marie-France Manoncourt, it was apparently undrinkable for the first 20 years. It is remarkably deep in color. The nose is otherworldly with black fruit, melted tar, wild heather and a smudge of salted licorice. There is wondrous delineation of aromas, yet something serious, a nose with gravitas. The palate is medium-bodied, burly and powerful, regal almost with a distinctly Left Bank, graphite tinge to the note. Maybe more foursquare than the 1949 Figeac and yet demanding respect from very first sip, this is Saint Emilion at its best. Tasted June 2015.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Magnum. Amazingly deep crimson. More press wine? Severe . Malbec component. A different era, less mellow but a phenomenon. Would benefit from different assemblage. Some acidity, tannin just matured. For curiosity. (JR)
In magnum. Darker than the 1953. Very, very rich with a pretty traditional nose. Almost tonic-wine-like; almost porty. Very, very traditional. Rich and long. Powerful and thick and slightly fumy. Not so refined. Thick but impressive. Very long. Very powerful! This improved in the glass. (JR)
About the producer
Sitting on the border with Pomerol, Ch. Figeac is a distinguished Saint-Emilion estate that produces some of the region's most sought-after wines. As of 2022, it is officially classified as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A, one of the appellation's top estates along with Ch. Pavie.