Chateau Figeac   Chateau Figeac

1997 Chateau Figeac

By Chateau Figeac

1997 Chateau Figeac from Chateau Figeac, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux

In the annals of Bordeaux’s fabled history, the 1997 vintage remains an enigma—a year that demanded the acumen of vintners and the foresight of investors. The autumnal grace period ensured the success of estates adept in nuance, and among these stands the 1997 Chateau Figeac from Chateau Figeac—a wine of compelling character and balance.

 

Investment-worthy Vintage

The challenges of '97 wove a tightrope for many vignerons in Saint-Émilion; however, Chateau Figeac's legendary terroir—graced with gravelly soils—proved its mettle under duress. Despite the year's mercurial climate, the winemaking team at Chateau Figeac harnessed subtlety and expertise to craft a wine that not only stands robustly but has matured with a beguiling complexity that invites investor interest.

 

A Medley of Elegance and Structure

At first glance, the 1997 Chateau Figeac impresses with a garnet hue hinting at its maturity. The olfactory journey reveals an evocative bouquet of cedar wood, ripe plum, and subtle hints of truffle—a nod to Bordeaux's old-world charm. On the palate, this Saint-Émilion offering unfolds in layers of finely-knit tannins and an elegant mélange of dark fruit enveloped by wisps of vanilla and earthy depth—a testament to its careful aging process.

For collectors and connoisseurs considering an astute addition to their portfolio, the 1997 Chateau Figeac emerges as a jewel. Its resilience through time illuminates not just a chapter in Chateau Figeac’s storied legacy but underscores the potential dormant in a vintage hitherto unsung.

In this vintage lies not only the storied craft of Bordeaux winemaking but also an opportunity for tangible connection to a challenging yet rewarding year. The 1997 Chateau Figeac is undoubtedly a resounding affirmation of Saint-Émilion’s capacity to surprise and delight even in less heralded vintages.

Current market price

$3,520.00

12x75cl

Highest score

86

POP score

351.67

Scores and tasting notes

86

Tasted at the property, the 1997 Figeac has seemed to endure difficult adolescence and received some poor reviews. Now approaching 20 years old, it has pulled through and reached maturity to offer vestiges of pleasure. The bouquet demonstrated more intensity than I anticipated: melted tar mixed with mulberry and redcurrant, a light tobacco note emerging with time and eventually dominating the aromatic profile. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly dry tannin, tobacco and cigar box, fully mature as it expresses secondary notes, any primary fruit fading with time. This 1997 is masculine and almost Saint Julien in style, attenuating towards the finish, clearly a Figeac that is reaching the end of its drinking window. I am not sure that it is a wine I would dive in and buy, rather one that I might select if found on a restaurant list at a decent price. Tasted June 2016.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 August 2016

Vintage performance