La Tour Figeac 2006

A sleeper of the vintage, La Tour Figeac's 2006 (80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc) is a lusciously-styled effort displaying a deep ruby/purple color as well as copious quantities of sweet black cherries, black currants, licorice, toasty oak, and forest floor. The wine is opulent, nearly flamboyant, and hedonistic with the potential to become even more complex over the next 10-15 years.This estate, part of Figeac in the 1800's, is coming on strong thanks to the work of Christine Derenoncourt, who, like her husband Stephane, possesses plenty of talent.

The wine with the most varied tasting notes - so much so that I wonder whether there was something wrong with the second sample - too old?
1. Very dark with ruby rim. Full, bright, intense. Very tense and introvert and nervy on the nose. Sweet, voluptuous palate entry. Very opulent - gosh what a triumph of texture! Very very fine tannins. This seems all winemaking rather than viticulture but to pleasurable effect. The cashmere effect! This is not fighting the vintage character. Not a very long term wine but so what?
2. Blackish crimson. Not much nose - very sweet and not very appetising. A bit dilute and fades on the finish. Astringent and angular.
3. Sweet baked black fruit. Very softly thick tannins. Almost too velvety and thick before a slightly abrupt finish. Lacks sparkle.

Bright red-ruby. Smoky redcurrant, tobacco, iron, pepper and leather on the nose and palate. Lush and open-knit, with an attractive restrained sweetness and an intriguing peppery nuance that gives definition to the rather opulent middle palate. Finishes with smooth tannins. This generous, seamless wine offers considerable early appeal.