Château Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion, 2019
It’s fair to say the Figeac is very much back to the top of its game. We have marvelled at the last five vintages, all exceptional, profound examples of this extraordinary terroir. There simply is no other chateau like Figeac. Its extraordinary topography and cépage makes it unique in Bordeaux, and under the watchful eye of Frédéric Faye, its fortunes have flourished. The blend this year is 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, and as it has in recent years, it knits together with perfect harmony and considerable intrigue. Initially the bouquet is quite reserved, but with air notes of violets, nori, cassis, black cherry and liquorice emerge, then some stary red berry fruits, alpine strawberries, cranberries as well as hints of cedar, pencil shavings and redcurrants. The palate is equally broad and complex. There’s so much energy and underlying power. Never heavy or dense, but the fruit just daubs the mouth, delighting the senses with sweet cassis and a heady mix of minerals, herbs and sumptuous griotte. It’s just so effortless, slowly revealing layers of mineral complexity and fresh, perfectly ripe fruit. Everything is so exquisitely measured, no excess, nothing absent; utterly enthralling and captivating, this is clearly another exceptional vintage for Figeac.
critic reviews
The 2019 Figeac is a blend of 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot. Deep garnet-purple in color, it is a little sluggish and broody to begin, soon revealing glimpses at baked plums, blackberry pie, and chargrill scents, followed by hints of aniseed, unsmoked cigars, and dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate is an exercise in elegance and restraint, featuring loads of mineral-sparked black fruit layers and a velvety texture, finishing long and earthy. Don't even think about touching this for a good 5-7 years (at least), when the experince promises to mind-blowing.
The 2019 Figeac has a wonderful nose, beautifully defined with black fruit, loam, black truffle shavings and light graphite scents. Very focused and plenty of vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, intense and almost pixelated towards the vibrant, tensile finish. Effortless and classy, this should evolve gracefully for many years. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.
This is a gorgeous Figeac, balanced and finessed and full of promise for the future - and interesting to note that its blend is almost back to the classic third-of-each-variety of the pre-Rolland days. Just love the clarity and the chiselled quality to the fruits, blueberries, bilberries, cassis - all smooth, concentrated, with excellent acidity but high sweetness, and muscular tannins. Clear smoked sandalwood also but not a hint of dryness, and will clearly melt together with another five or six years in bottle. Can't wait to follow this wine as it ages. Cigar smoke and grilled sandalwood on the finish, the poise and precision on display here is just unmissable. Harvest September 13 to October 17, 100% new oak.