Chateau La Tour Figeac

This chateau, as its name implies, has a strong relationship with Figeac. Situated on the gravelly soil in St-Emilion, it is neighboring the famous Cheval Blanc, also derived from Figeac. In 1879 Corbiere acquired a piece and land and subseqently divided into two, keeping one for himself (La Tour Figeac) and sold off the other (La-Tour-du-Pin-Figeac).

In 1973 the property was sold to the Rettenmaiers, a German family, and till today it is managed by the heir Maximilian, with the assistance of Christine Derenoncourt. The vineyard now is about 14.5 hectares, about one-quarter of gravelly soil, with the remaining having increasing sand and loam. Merlot contributes 60% of the vineyard, with the rest being Cabernet Franc, with an average age of 35 years. Focusing on biodynamics, no chemical pesticide or treatments are used. Yields are typically 40 hl/ha by pruning, bunch-thinning and green-harvesting.

Stainless-steel vats were installed in 1995, but were reverted to wood once again in 1999. Mix of pumping over and punching down is practised, with the wine kept in oak (100% new in some vintages) for at least 18 months. About 3300 cases of La Tour Figeac and 1250 cases of L'Esquisse de La Tour Figeac (2nd wine) are produced annually. No fining of the wine is done.

I have tasted the 2006 and below is my tasting note:

Region / Country: St-Emilion France

Vintage: 2006

Grape: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

ABV: 13.5%                 

Price: HK$298

Tasting Date: 27 June 2011

Wineshark Score: 89

 

Opaque ruby color St-Emilion GCC with a reasonably intense and developing aromas of black cherry, blueberry, liquorice, smoke, oak, cream and plum. Relatively low in acidity, with a smooth and ripe tannin, this medium (+) body wine got reasonably intense flavors of black cherry, blueberry, cloves, smoke, violet and oak. Overall of acceptable quality with reasonable length and fair intensity, soft and smooth in style, making it an easy-to-drink wine. With further ageing it can become more complex. Ready to drink now but ideally should be left to further age and will be good for another 5-7 years.

Other vintages I have from this chateau:

• 2008 Chateau La Tour Figeac