Source: 226, The Wine Advocate, Issue Date: 31st Aug 2016, (RP-84)

Tasted at the Chateau Figeac vertical at the property from magnum, the 1996 Figeac has always been one of those “could have been wines.” I agree with Robert Parker in that a difficult Right Bank vintage should have played into their hands given the Cabernet plantings. Certainly an effort was made by the late Thierry Manoncourt to counter the rain and 50% of the crop de-selected from the Grand Vin when picked between 30 September and 10 October. However, the bottom line is that this 1996 pales against other vintages. It is mature in color with some bricking on the rim. The nose is relatively simple with brown spice and a light marine influence. Medium-bodied with light tannin, it feels monochromatic, very linear and stern, without the fruit or the complexity to really see it through. Drink sooner rather than later. Tasted June 2015.