Disappointing Figeac 1990

Oct 11, 2010 4 Replies

Wanted to celebrate yesterdays odd date with sth. special and decided to open my one but last bottle of Ch. Figeac 1990, poured the wine into a decanter and served it with venison.



First I thought it was cork-flawed, but with some air, the smell became less off-putting. Not a TCA issue, yet the wine had an unexciting, stale smell.



On the palate, this Figeac was on the very light side, distinct Cab Franc notes, lacking the class and breed you expect from a StEmilion grand cru classé. In a blind tasting, I would probably have put a price tag of 7,- EUR ( 10,- USD) to this bottling.



Checking my cellar notes, I realised that of the 4 bottles consumed over previous years, only one was really at the desired level of quality. Did I hear someone say "bottle variation"?



Did you have any impresssions - positive or negative - with Figeac 90?



Regards



Yves


I've had no negative experiences, but have found bottle variation. I've had great bottles, and then some like this from 2 years ago:

1990 Figeac Apparently some thought this corked, but not to me. This wine always has some green, but it's a bit more in this bottle. Kind of herb meets uncured tobacco. I like, but not as much as some bottles of this. B+/ B

I've had no negative experiences, but have found bottle variation. I've had great bottles, and then some like this from 2 years ago:

1990 Figeac Apparently some thought this corked, but not to me. This wine always has some green, but it's a bit more in this bottle. Kind of herb meets uncured tobacco. I like, but not as much as some bottles of this. B+/ B

Yes, the herb/tobacco comparison sums it up pretty well. As an ex-smoker, expect nothing but zero-tolerance from my side ;-) And "green" could be acceptable for 1993, but not for 1990!

Yves

I have some '93 and it is still green. I get a raw green bean flavor. Haven't had the 1990 in years.

I don't know - if any green/tobacco is verboten, I think Figeac is a bad choice- all the vintages I like best- 70, 82, and 90- carry it to some degree, it's what makes it one of the more distinctive properties.

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