1964 La Tour Figeac

BY NEAL MARTIN | OCTOBER 24, 2022 

Given price inflation in recent years, a good tactic is to aim for a vintage/wine region with a high reputation and go a little off-piste. Take the Right Bank in 1964, for example. Sure, you can open that bottle of Cheval Blanc or Petrus, and it will knock your socks off…but you’ll pay a king’s ransom for the privilege. Foraging around a retail shop in Burgundy, I spotted a bottle of 1964 La Tour Figeac with a reasonable fill and clarity. I decided it was worth a gamble, given that I had no idea of provenance and no experience with the estate in this era. When the cork emerged out a little easier than expected, I was a tad concerned, particularly as members of the Burgfest group were looking on and needed lunchtime libation. But as soon as the perfume unfurled from the bottle, I knew I had chosen well. The 1964 far surpassed my expectations.

Showing modest bricking on the rim, the 1964 La Tour Figeac is blessed with a heavenly bouquet of kirsch, raspberry confit, light loam and candied orange peel, all beautifully defined and bewitchingly elegant. Mature yet not fatigued, the 1964 is cruising in its dotage. The palate perfectly matches the nose: graceful and harmonious with svelte tannins, ideally-pitched acidity and caressing texture. Plush, soft red fruit tinged with fig and dates, touches of blood orange, the finish is ample yet effortless. It is everything you wish for from a 1964 Right Bank, but at a fraction of the price you’d pay for a more famous name. 95/Drink 2022-2035.

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