1995 Figeac

Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property from one of the last remaining imperials, one could argue that the six-liter format would have benefit the 1995 Figeac. Even so, that should not take anything away from this, the best vintage of that decade. Firstly, one notices that it is deeper in color than the underwhelming 1996. Then you fall into the aromatics, a beguiling concoction of blackcurrant pastilles, melted tar and tobacco all beautifully preserved after two decades. What differentiates it from the succeeding vintages is that here there is the fruit to back it up. The palate is fresh and quite dense in the mouth. The acidity is perfectly matched to the fruit, lively with a touch of piquancy on the ebullient, red cherry and wild strawberry finish that still has a bit of glycerin. The 1995 is the best vintage between 1990 and 2001, and represents a worthy wine to celebrate Thierry Manoncourt's 50th vintage. Tasted June 2015.

Impérial. Creamy, round , complete. Great balance. Deep crimson. Great temperature. Nectar. Vibrant. Such bright fruit. 50 years of winemaking under Thierry Manoncourt. (JR)

Dark healthy ruby. Glossy ruby. Some perceptible Cabernet Franc on the nose here, together with something not 100 per cent clean – shame because there is some delicacy. Some Bovril and some ink. The fruit is struggling to rise about everything else. (JR)