2002 La Tour Figeac

Very deep crimson. Sweet, gentle, wild and thick, this is the only biodynamic St Emilion Grand Cru Classé And it tastes it. Stephane Derenoncourt consults here and the wine duly shows some almost Burgundian opulence. Neat, refreshing tannins in evidence too. (JR)

The 2002 appears to have closed down, displaying vegetal notes along with a desiccated, austere personality. Several bottles tasted were identical. I don’t know if the wine is going through an awkward, clumsy stage as some of its peers are doing, or if it is simply a mediocre wine. Judgment reserved.Once a part of the original Figeac vineyard, this has always been a property with enormous potential. The 36-acre vineyard is well-situated between Cheval Blanc and Figeac, with Pomerol looming on its western border. La Tour Figeac’s gravelly/sandy soils were not well served by the heat and drought in 2003, but the estate was reasonably successful. The wife of Stephane Derenoncourt, Christine, is now making the wines, which are given such Burgundian treatments as malolactic in barrel and aging on its lees. The blend is 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc. Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 158

Saturated ruby-red. Reduced aromas of game and Cuban tobacco. Sweet and chewy in the mouth, with a bit of acidity yet to be integrated. Finishes with big, broad tannins and good length.