97-99 Barrel Sample. This aromatic wine is magnificent in its balance and richness. With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), it is so typical of this estate. The tannins are velvety while packing a firm punch. Dark and concentrated, it is a great wine for long-term aging.
Another brilliant wine from the genius of Frédéric Faye, the 2016 Château Figeac checks in as 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in new French oak. Roughly 75% of the production made it into the grand vin. This deeply colored beauty is a legendary wine in the making and offers ultra-pure aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, truffle, and graphite. Showing more violets notes with time in the glass, it builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance as well as incredible elegance, no hard edges, and a finish that won't quit. Readers will have a blast comparing the 2016 and 2015 vintages over the coming 3-4 decades and this estate is firing on all cylinders. This will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 7-8 years and keep for 4 decades or more.
The 2016 Figeac is comprised of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little broody and reticent at this very youthful stage, slowly unfolding to reveal profound plum preserves, crème de cassis, black raspberries and star anise with hints of moss-covered bark, truffles and tilled loam plus a waft of red currants and raspberry leaves sparks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is practically quivering with energy, offering glimpses at tightly wound black fruit and mineral/ferrous layers, framed by very firm, ripe tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with the spices coming through. This will need a good 7-8 years to come round and then should cellar for 40+ years. Very serious, beautifully poised and sophisticated personality this vintage.
The 2016 Figeac has a comparatively extravagant nose with vivid red cherries, strawberry, blood orange and light rosemary scents, very Saint-Émilion in style. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain, supple tannins. This is framed by a keen line of acidity, closing in towards the concentrated and peppery finish. Long-term. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
This is strikingly intense on the nose, with exquisite and perfumed blackcurrant fruit that is clear and pure. The attack is fresh and highly concentrated, though not to excess, and the sílky palate is marked by its zest, energy and great precision. The tannins are polished and the finish very long, with exemplary balance. A classic St-Emilion with a great future.
TWI
97pts
The Wine Independent
Château Figeac is a crunchy and classic wine with peppery notes and lots of deep smoky notes of spicy Cabernet Franc. This style of wine is very typical for the chateau – fine and velvety to taste but with a lurking spiciness at the end. However, the 2016 Figeac seems to have another gear as this impressive and classic wine unfolds itself in your mouth. It is packed with perfectly ripe fruit and the energetic aftertaste seems to never end. A very impressive Figeac that would still benefit for another 5-7 years in the cellar.
A gutsy, fully endowed wine, brimming with dark currant, warm fig and steeped blackberry notes, as well as waves of smoldering tobacco and warm gravel. Features a serious bass line, but everything works together, while flecks of savory and iron dart in and out. Best from 2025 through 2040. 8,333 cases made.
This has aromas of cedar, earth, dried flowers and touches of smoke and cassis. Medium- to full-bodied and structured, with polished tannins and fruit concentration that give it length and volume. Approachable now, with a long life ahead. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.