Description
Chateau La Tour Figeac (St Emilion) 2019
This distinguished wine represents a classic Right Bank expression from the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé appellation. The 2019 vintage is a precise blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc. The estate occupies a prime location on the border of Pomerol, sandwiched between the legendary Château Cheval Blanc and Château Figeac. The terroir is composed of a gravelly and sandy-clay topsoil resting on a deep clay subsoil, a geological combination that imparts both the structural power of Saint-Émilion and the aromatic finesse typical of Pomerol.
The 2019 growing season in Bordeaux was characterized by a warm, dry summer that brought significant heat, followed by timely rains in late July and September that preserved freshness. These conditions allowed for a harvest of grapes with perfect maturity and concentrated flavors. The estate is a pioneer in sustainable viticulture, having practiced biodynamic farming since 1997 under the direction of Otto Rettenmaier. The 2019 vintage also marked the estate's second official year of conversion to certified organic farming, ensuring that the fruit retains a vibrant, chemical-free purity that reflects its gravelly origins.
In the glass, the wine reveals a striking appearance, pouring a deep, opaque garnet-purple with high viscosity. The nose is complex and expressive, immediately offering rich aromas of black raspberries, wild blueberries, and ripe black cherries. As the wine opens, secondary notes of crushed violets, graphite, and cedar chest emerge, underpinned by hints of truffle and Christmas spice. On the palate, this is a medium to full-bodied wine that is technically dry but possesses a core of sweet, ripe fruit. The texture is defined by supple, powdery tannins that coat the mouth without aggression. Flavors of dark chocolate, mulberry, and a distinct saline minerality persist through a long, elegant finish.
Winemaking at Chateau La Tour Figeac combines traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. The 2019 vintage saw a significant evolution in the cellar, with the introduction of 400-liter barrels and amphorae to the aging program, alongside traditional barriques (approximately 50% new French oak). This shift was designed to protect the purity of the fruit and enhance the finesse of the tannins, avoiding excessive oak influence. The wine was aged for approximately 16 to 18 months, allowing for a seamless integration of wood and fruit before bottling.
This wine's structured tannins and savory depth make it an excellent companion for rich, protein-heavy dishes. It pairs beautifully with a char-grilled ribeye steak served with a rosemary-garlic compound butter, as the fats in the meat soften the wine's tannins while the herbal notes echo the Cabernet Franc. Alternatively, try it with braised beef short ribs over polenta; the wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the braise, while its dark fruit profile complements the caramelized meat flavors.
Critics have lauded the 2019 release, citing its impressive balance and aging potential. Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a score of 94 points, praising its "classy" nature and "terrific overall balance," while James Suckling gave it 93 points, and Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 92 points. Given its prestigious neighbors and high critical acclaim, Chateau La Tour Figeac remains one of the most compelling values in Saint-Émilion, offering Grand Cru Classé quality at a price point that is surprisingly accessible compared to other top estates in the sector.
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