Chateau Figeac 1990

DECANTER: "One-third each of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, 100% new oak, with a harvest that lasted from 17 September to 6 October. Still deep in colour, and is given a huge boost by the Cabernets. The high sugar and low acidity comes through to give some ripe, almost overripe character with figs and rich berry jam notes. Gentle cold ash and menthol freshness work wonders at the close of play, giving a real boost to the length of the wine on the finish."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. The 1990 Figeac was drinking gloriously and this is perhaps the best bottle that I have tasted. It is noticeably deep in color, in fact, deeper and more lucid than many vintages from the 1980s. It reminds me of the Lafleur 1990 in some ways, with its very expressive Cabernet Franc that manifests black truffle and cigar ash scents. There is such clarity here. The palate is medium-bodied and full of degraded black, earthy fruit. There is weight and presence here, gently gripping the mouth with a long tobacco-tinged finish that is still very satisfying. There is something still "old school" about this Figeac, but it certainly would be my pick from this era. Tasted June 2015."

FALSTAFF: "Mittleres Rubingranat, zart unterockert, dezenter Wasserrand. In der Nase feiner Nougat, einladendes Waldbeerkonfit, ein Hauch von Dörrobst, angenehmer Nougat, zarte Kräuterwürze. Saftig, elegant, feste Tannine, rotes Waldbeerkonfit, zitroniger Touch, angenehm herangereifter Wein, gute Länge, schokoladiger Nachhall. (Trinken/lagern +15)"

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Fully mature, medium bodied, fresh, with lean to the red fruit side of the style range, the nose is the best part of the wine, with its display of earth, cherries, tobacco, thyme, mint, herbs and spice. Elegant, but more concentrated than light, wiht a soft finish, there is no reason to wait for more development."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Ruby color. Interesting aromas of plums, leaves and berries. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a ripe fruit and chocolate aftertaste. Rich and chunky Figeac.--1990 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 12,500 cases made."