2017 La Tour Figeac
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Deep ruby. On the nose, very sweet and fleshy fruit that borders on cherry jam. Very polished fruit on the palate, but hard. Cutting acids are matched by angular tannins that leave the finish short. The lingering impression is one of toasty oak. (TP)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Élevage has done wonders for the 2017 La Tour Figeac, which is quite a bit more expressive from bottle than it was from barrel. Then again, that is not unusual for Cabernet Franc-based wines. Sweet rose petal, mocha, red plum, mint and star anise give the 2017 striking aromatic nuance to match its elegant, mid-weight personality. Classy and refined, the 2017 is just exquisite today.
La Tour Figeac—located between Figeac and Cheval Blanc—there is a little hill of Cabernet Franc that did not get touched by the frost. This explains why there is so little Merlot in the blend this year and why it's mainly made up of Cabernet Franc (80%, with the rest Merlot), an atypical blend for this wine. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 La Tour Figeac gives up notions of plum preserves, kirsch and black raspberries with touches of spice cake, menthol and rosehip tea. Medium to full-bodied, the palate features layers of fragrant red and black fruits, framed by firm, finely grained tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
About the producer
Situated on the Saint-Emilion side of the appellation’s border with Pomerol, this estate was part of Ch. Figeac until 1879. They were an early pioneer of biodynamic farming, having converted the entire estate in 1997.