1959 Figeac

Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. The 1959 Château Figeac is a successful Saint Emilion considering that 50% of the fruit came from vines planted after the devastating frosts of 1956. It has a typical bouquet for a 1959 Right Bank: blood orange mixed with tinned apricot and honey, opening up with peppermint/camphor scents with aeration, lending it that exotic touch (perhaps thanks due to those young vines?). The palate is medium-bodied, not as complex as the 1961 perhaps, but marked by a fine line of acidity and a hint of truffle towards the languid finish. I've actually had better bottles before, despite the provenance being ex-château. That said, there is no doubt that it remains a very fine Saint Emilion, even if surpassed by vintages in the 1950s and 1960s. Tasted June 2015.

Paler than the 1961 just tasted, but still a beautiful mature colour. Full, sweet, round and flattering on the nose. Sweet, lush and gorgeous. Scented sweet violets. Pure pleasure. (JR)

In magnum. Fabulous length. Very, very rich – sweeter than the 1961. Perhaps there is less Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend here than in later wines because in 1953 he replaced Malbec with Cabernet Sauvignon. Incredibly rich! With a kick at the end. More obviously Figeac than the 1961. Really gorgeous. (JR)