In Bond Fine Wine. 2021 Château Figeac, Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, France. Premier Grand Cru Classé B • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 97/100 (JA). Drinking window: 2027–2057. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau Figeac is one of Saint Emilion’s most iconic and individual estates, long admired for its unique identity and remarkable terroir. Positioned at the North West edge of the appellation, close to the Pomerol border, with 41 hectares planted. Unusually on the Right Bank, Figeac sits on gravel-dominant soils layered over blue clay, more typical of the Left Bank, and so Figeac is a distinctive blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and just 30% Merlot. The result is a wine of elegance, structure, and exceptional aging potential, bridging the stylistic gap between the two banks of Bordeaux. Figeac’s renaissance began under the visionary guidance of Thierry Manoncourt, who took the reins in 1947. He introduced innovations such as stainless steel fermentation and pioneered the estate’s Cabernet-led styleat a time when Merlot dominated the region. After his death in 2010, hi…
William Kelley (WK) — 94–97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/04/2022
One of the highlights of the vintage on the Right Bank, the 2021 Figeac is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 29% Merlot, and the fruit of a harvest that lasted a full month, from September 21 to October 19, with each parcel picked at optimal maturity. Offering up aromas of blackberries, cassis, rose petals, violets, cigar wrapper and sweet soil tones, it's medium to full-b…
Antonio Galloni (AG) — 94/100 · Inside Bordeaux, 27/02/2024 · Drink 2029-2051
The 2021 Figeac is a classy, supremely polished Saint-Émilion. Floral and savory notes meld into a core of dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice, mocha and lavender. I imagine the 2021 will drink well with minimal cellaring. It's an undeniably attractive wine with no hard edges, but also less textural depth than the best years. Managing Director Fr'd'ric Faye and his team reduced elevage by two mo…
Neal Martin (NM) — 94/100 · Vinous, 22/02/2024 · Drink 2027-2057
The 2021 Figeac was bottled the previous mid-July after being stored in vat for two months to gain more on the mid-palate. It has a sensual bouquet with pure wild strawberry and raspberry fruit, pencil box and tobacco scents that emanate from the Cabernet component. This seems to be a bit closed on the day. The palate is medium-bodied with a hint of dark chocolate and leather on the entry and a f…