2012 Château Figeac, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Far more open than the 2011, with generous blackberry puree and peony floral notes. A little less effortless finesse and balance than years like 2005 or 2010, but this has juice and character and is a highly successful Figeac. As it opens, you see that the tannins retain some austerity and resistance in them at this point. The first year where the blend begins to change and become more reactive to the individual vintage - and the first year where Frederic Faye took over as director. Michel Rolland arrived as a consultant in March 2013, so part of the blending team (and there was also an optical sorting machine for the first time).

Drink 2022-2040, 93/100, Jane Anson (March 2022)