A 2000 Chateau Figeac and lamb dinner with Pops

WINE TALK
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Gotta love classic Figeac. Not that Rolland stuff of late, but this stuff. Doesn’t even have any hallmarks of the solar 2000 vintage. Clocks in at a respectable 13%. At least per label, but shows that way as well. Lovely brambly red fruits, earth, tar and tobacco leaf. Hints of menthol. A farmer’s palate, a grainy earthy minerality. Nice range of reds to plummy darks. Some citrus acids. Structure fully integrated. A very very good Figeac. A step behind the 1999 and 2005, and yes the price is painful today, but damn this is how St Em should drink. Paired perfectly with roasted leg of lamb. And most importantly, Pops loved it over a young Malartic Lagraviere. (94 pts.)

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Finished with Glenfiddich 18 and some Cuban pastries, including this delicious Dulce de Leche Napoleon.

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PS. Mom kinda overcooked the lamb, but the 48 hours of marination certainly saved it.

17 Likes
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That all looks and sounds great! … except the cork — what happened, man?!? Don’t you have every corkscrew known to man?

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Yeah, I was at Pops house, let’s just say he’s pretty old-school with cork screws

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Now it makes sense … Cheers to you and yours, Robert! :cheers:

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Robert,

I understand your post, but since you drink a lot more St. Emilion than I do, I have to ask. Can Figeac (with its unique variety make up) taste the way St. Emilion is supposed to taste. I will be interested in your response.

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Depends on whether you want the good stuff or the ubiquitous stuff. :wink:

Cheval Blanc and Ausone tend to run around 50% Cab Franc.

Seems pretty classic to me!

Granted, very few wines from that appellation have the similar cut of Cab Sav.

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Classic yes. As you note with the high level of Cabernet, way St Emilion is supposed to taste? To be clear, I love classic Figeac and Cheval Blanc is one of my favorite Bordeaux’s, probably with Haut Brion and Leoville las Cases.

And, we can leave it as you answered my question.

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From a varietal make up standpoint, Cheval Blanc and Ausone are outliers. You may prefer them (heck, I prefer them), but that doesn’t make them the classic style of St. Emilion.

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I always really liked Monbousquet.

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Great stuff as usual Robert! I’m curious - as someone who knows both wines well, how would you rate Figeac to Magdelaine 2000? They’re both hard to find, but I think the former is double the price of the latter, if not more.

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I love your description of Figeac, here. In my mind’s eye, that describes so many vintages of 2000 and before. Love me some Figeac.

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I’m with you… Figeac is one of my favorite producers. Recently had the 1982 and it is just singing right now. I love the 2000 and also the 2016. Is that a Michel Roland vintage?

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Yes. I have not had it, but some folks whose palate I trust say that his involvement was not heavy-handed. I didn’t think so for 2014 vintage either, but the 2015 vintage is a whole Nother matter.

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I sure liked the 16. Figeac in the 90’s left me wanting. 2000 was a fabulous vintage.

Paul Bullard
Paul Bullard Associatese paullaur@napanet.net
o 707.637.4114
m 707.292.0804

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Robert,

I should have thanked you for the note as I have some 2000 Figeac and have not tasted the wine since it was young. Thanks.

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Father’s Day is just 2 months away. :blush:

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That’s really good to know. I opened one in around 2015 and was VERY underwhelmed, found it quite green and grainy. Was hoping that it might turn around. Thansk for the note.

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Well I did mention grainy and I like green, so keep my note in context! :slight_smile:

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My vague recollection is that it was Loire CF from cooler vintage level of green :slight_smile:

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thanks for this, Robert. A friend and work colleague is looking longingly at his 05. Is it safe to open that yet? (inferring that it might be…)

Grazie