BY ANTONIO GALLONI | JUNE 1, 2026 

The 1949 Figeac is one of those wines I wish all Vinous readers had a chance to taste at least once in their lives. Deeply colored in the glass, the 1949 possesses off-the-charts textural richness and unreal viscosity that belie its age by at least several decades. Dark-toned fruit, grilled herbs, gravel, incense, pipe tobacco and spice cake envelop the palate with effortless grace. The 1949 possesses breathtaking glycerin intensity that only grows over time, suggesting it has plenty of life ahead.

The year is remembered for severe drought conditions that produced small berries with very little juice. The 1949 was made with the limited means that were available during this era, meaning fermentation in wood uprights with no temperature control, and aging in neutral French oak, as buying new barrels was out of the question. The blend was Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, with a touch of Malbec that was planted at the time. In this third vintage, Thierry Manoncourt turned out a wine that remains a legend as it approaches its eightieth birthday. What else can I ask of a wine? Nothing. I will add that a second bottle showed more evolution, which is to be expected for older wines. But this bottle, it was absolutely stunning. Unforgettable. 100/Drink 2026-2049.

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