Chateau Figeac 2019

• Figeac 2019 has the most exciting aromas of all the wines on the right bank of the Gironde
• Even better than Cheval Blanc in 2019

Chateau Figeac 2019 has an intense bouquet with blackberry, cassis, warm spices, violets and pencil shavings. On the palate, it shows fine-grained tannins, great freshness and remarkable persistence with floral and earthy nuances. Today, Figeac produces both more powerful and more polished wines than in the past, without losing its identity, which is particularly evident in the unusual spectrum of flavours. These improvements have been officially recognised with the highest classification Premier Grand Cru Classé A. The vineyard is run by the Manoncourt family on around 40 hectares.

The terroir is atypical. Three gravelly knolls run through the estate - a geological peculiarity on the right bank, which is otherwise mainly characterised by clay and limestone. Coarse Günz and Mindel gravel on ferruginous subsoil resemble the soils of the Médoc, which explains why Château Figeac Cabernet grape varieties thrive so well. They have a high drainage capacity, which is important for Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. Accordingly, Figeac has a high proportion of Cabernet and even Cabernet Sauvignon. On these soils, these varieties give an unusually spicy aroma of herbs that underpins the fruit.

The 2019 grape variety blend is typical with 36 % Cabernet Franc, 34 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 % Merlot. Since Michel Rolland has been running the winery since 2013, 100% new oak has been used.

Antonio Galloni 99 vinous.com The 2019 Figeac is without question one of the wines of the vintage. All the promise it showed as a young barrel sample, is all there in bottle, too. Estate Director Frédéric Faye crafted a towering, statuesque Figeac built on vertical energy and a feeling of vibrancy that never lets up. Deep layers of red/purplish fruit, cedar, tobacco, mint and dried flowers are framed by a super-classic expression of structure that keeps things in balance. There is a bit more Cabernet Franc in this year's blend, and that definitely comes through. Readers who can find the 2019 should not hesitate, as it is truly majestic. 

Jeb Dunnuck 98 jebdunnuck.com The 2019 Château Figeac checks in as 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot, and it's another brilliant wine from Frédéric Faye. This deep purple-hued effort offers a beautiful Pauillac-like bouquet of ripe black cherries, cassis, damp earth, leafy herbs, chocolate, and smoked tobacco. It has classic Figeac herbal, earthy goodness (no doubt due to its high percentage of Cabernet) and is medium to full-bodied on the palate, has perfect tannins and flawless balance, all making for a brilliant Saint-Emilion that brings richness and power paired with finesse and elegance. Give bottles 4-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following 30+  

750 mL

14.0

Bordeaux

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc

Sulphites

• Dry

France