We’ve never bought the Figaro based solely on the label, which to date has been a bit too playful in a Roberto Benigni jumping up and down at the Oscars way. The 2015 is on the shelves (with a more sober, less antic label design than the one pictured here) and good reviews from Gismondi. But in our never-ending pursuit of something interesting we stumbled across the 2012, a bit dusty, on a back shelf in a small indie. Would it still hold up?
The 2012 was a combination Roussanne, Viognier, Marsanne; the 2015 nixes the Marsanne. It was still beyond palatable with delightful tropical notes and a steely patch reminiscent of Semillon. It held up superbly with white meats and even cut through the acid of tomatoes. It came alive with a bit of air and warmth, oozing peach and nectarine and apricot. Something of a find, I must say, and worth exploring the current vintage.
Price: $23 in a private wine store.
Market Liquidity: Not that it matters, the 2012 is long gone, but testament to the old adage that perseverance furthers.