2010 Chateau La Tour Figeac, Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Emilion, Red Bordeaux, France.
A classic blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc fermented in a combination of stainless steel and wood vats then aged 15 month in French oak, which I imagine was about a third to a half new, and crafted by the talented Stephane Darenoncourt, the Chateau La Tour Figeac 2010 is a wonderful and elegant wine that while still young is very refined, rich and polished. This beautifully fruit driven Saint-Emilion shows great detail, finesse and style in a free flowing lush fashion with sweet bouquet of cassis, violets and smoke leading to a full palate of red currant, plum, black cherry and raspberry fruits along with minty red pepper jelly, pencil lead, mocha and vanilla. This wine stood out for the structure, liveliness and focus adding to the lavish body and plush mouth feel, look for this wine to drink great early and go great for another 10 to 15 years, while not on the same level as Clos Fortet or Angelus this stunner is easier by far on the wallet and offers plenty of class for the cost and it is super pleasing, it should be hitting the shelves this fall, be should to look for it. Also, the 2009 was very enjoyable (90 Points) as well, just not as vivid or vibrant as the 2010, something that repeated over and over for Grand Cru Classe Saint-Emilion wines at a recent tasting.
($50-60 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive