Chateau Figeac, Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classé 'A' 2023
Varietal: 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2023 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Figeac
Description:
One of the great names and terroirs of Saint Emilion whose wines exude class and sophistication rather than raw power. There have been some serious improvements here recently under winemaker Frédéric Faye. Modern techniques such as vibrating sorting tables, de-stemming and an optical laser sorting line are being used, as well as 100% new oak barrels from 7 different coopers. As a consequence, the wines produced now seem a little riper and more polished than before but are still fine, pure and classic. Unusually for the right bank, there is only 30% Merlot in the vineyard with 35% Cabernet Franc and - rare on the right bank - 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. A sizeable part of production is relegated to the second label - Petit Figeac. Stunning wines in recent vintages make Figeac one of the hottest properties in Bordeaux. An incredible new winery was completed here in 2021 and - at last - Figeac was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classe "A" first growth status.
The 2023 Figeac is made from 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13.5 degrees alcohol. The Merlots were harvested from September 6th and they then waited 12 days before picking the Cabernets from September 27th to October 5th at optimum ripeness. This is the 130th vintage under Manoncourt ownership and Frédéric calls it a contemporary version of the wonderful 2001 produced here.
100/100 points - William Kelley, Wine Advocate
The 2022 Figeac is one of the wines of the vintage. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of dark berries and cassis mingled with hints of violet, pencil lead, mint and cigar wrapper, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with striking intensity and sweetness of fruit married with unerring precision and energy, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Abundant but exquisitely filigreed tannins lend a sense of classicism and proportion to a wine that might otherwise be flamboyant.
100/100 points - Vinous.comThe 2023 Figeac is outrageously great. Dark, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2023 possesses mind-blowing intensity and pure power. Hints of lavender, crème de cassis, sage, menthol, spice box and pipe tobacco soar from the glass. Brisk acids and vibrant saline notes frame the close. All the elements are so artfully woven together. Absolutely nothing is out of place. Figeac is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage, and the 2023 is one of the finest wines ever made here. Merlots were picked starting September 6, while the Cabernets were harvested from September 26 to October 5, a very late finish. General Manager Frédéric Faye and his team turned out an extraordinary wine. Taste two times. (Drink between 2033-2073)
99/100 points - William Kelley, Wine AdvocateThe 2023 Figeac has turned out beautifully, unfurling in the glass with a complex bouquet of blackberries and cassis mingled with notions of crushed mint, pencil shavings and violets. Medium- to full-bodied, supple and suave, it's layered and fleshy, with a deep and seamless core of fruit, animated by succulent acids that largely conceals its refined structuring tannins. It's a blend of 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon that attained 13.5% alcohol, rewarding the decision to pick the Cabernet Sauvignon comparatively late. Drink 2030-2060
98/100 points - Jane Anson, JaneAnson.comFragrant floral aromatics straight off the bat, peony and violet, and a vibrant juiciness that travels through the palate. Savoury dark fruit character, with flint and textural interest, full of Figeac finesse. 130th vintage of the Manoncourt family at Figeac, and the first vintage where they knew they were Premier Grand Cru Classé A from the start of the season, as it was announced in September 2022. 130mm of rain lower than average over the growing season here, allowing a long slow harvest from September 6 to October 5, 45hl/h yield.
97/100 points - James Suckling, JamesSuckling.comThe density and finesse to this is terrific, offering blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut and hazelnut, as well as currant and sandalwood. Orange peel, too. Full-bodied and compact with a superb core of thick, velvet-textured tannins and a juicy finish. Extremely long.
