1990 Chateau Figeac Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 12x75cl

Neal Martin 93

The 1990 Figeac, poured at the chateau with the Manoncourt family, is similar to several recent bottles. This example retains those aromas of Earl Grey and truffle, perhaps not quite as vigorous as the previous example, yet it grows in the glass. The palate is well balanced, the bedrock of Cabernet imparting quite a Left Bank personality that deceives you into believing it comes from a cooler summer. Builds towards the finish, not as fine-tuned as recent vintages, yet it has presence and salinity on the finish. [Neal Martin, 26/01/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2022-2040

Stephen Tanzer 93

Full red. Initially cool aromas of cherry, blackberry, minerals, iron and menthol; an initial musty note dissipated with aeration. Sweet, supple and layered, with a deeply spicy cabernet component. Lovely ripe acids give clarity to the very rich flavors. Finishes with superb firmness and persistence. An excellent vintage for Figeac. Drink between 2005 and 2020. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/2002]

Wine Advocate 94

Tasted at the Chateau Figeac vertical at the property. The 1990 Figeac was drinking gloriously and this is perhaps the best bottle that I have tasted. It is noticeably deep in color, in fact, deeper and more lucid than many vintages from the 1980s. It reminds me of the Lafleur 1990 in some ways, with its very expressive Cabernet Franc that manifests black truffle and cigar ash scents. There is such clarity here. The palate is medium-bodied and full of degraded black, earthy fruit. There is weight and presence here, gently gripping the mouth with a long tobacco-tinged finish that is still very satisfying. There is something still "old school" about this Figeac, but it certainly would be my pick from this era. Tasted June 2015. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035

JancisRobinson.com 18

Open, sweet, fresh and without density. So very different from many St-Emilions of the 1990s! No wonder it did not find favour with some critics but it s wearing very well. Biscuity nose again with sweetness and some violet perfume. A real pleasure to taste. Lightly leathery – in a good way! Long. (JR) [09/08/2022]

Anticipated maturity: 2006-2033