1978 Château Figeac
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Tasting notes
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property, the 1978 Figeac is clearly better than the 1979 and puts in a very commendable performance here. It is similar in color to the 1979, but the nose is fresher and more vital: Provençal herbs, a tinge of dried blood plus vestiges of red berry fruit. Yes, it is a little leafy, but it is exactly what you would expect from the 1978. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine acidity, plenty of blood orange and brown spices, cohesive with more weight and harmony than the succeeding vintage. "Old school" for sure, but at 37 years of age, this is a match for the Cheval Blanc 1978 that I tasted two months before this. Tasted June 2015.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Mid ruby. Menthol note. Slightly dry finish. Cool. Still some structure. Crunchy. Lively. (JR)
This appears to be another lightweight Figeac that has taken on considerable amber to its color. It possesses the tell-tale herbaceous, nearly vegetal streak that Figeac often exhibits in cooler years, soft, diffuse fruity flavors marked by greenness, and a disjointed, medium-bodied, peppery finish. It requires immediate consumption. Last tasted, 3/93. Wine Advocate.August, 1993
Tasted at the Chateau Figeac vertical at the property, the 1978 Figeac is clearly better than the 1979 and puts in a very commendable performance here. It is similar in color to the 1979, but the nose is fresher and more vital: Provencal herbs, a tinge of dried blood plus vestiges of red berry fruit. Yes, it is a little leafy, but it is exactly what you would expect from the 1978. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine acidity, plenty of blood orange and brown spices, cohesive with more weight and harmony than the succeeding vintage. "Old school" for sure, but at 37 years of age, this is a match for the Cheval Blanc 1978 that I tasted two months before this. Tasted June 2015. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com
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.