Description
Chateau Figeac is not an old Bordeaux vineyard. Figeac is an ancient Bordeaux vineyard! In fact, the genesis of the estate can be dated as far back as the second century during the ancient Gallo-Roman period. The vineyards of Chateau Figeac are planted to different proportions from what you can find in any other Saint Emilion vineyard, and in all of Bordeaux as well. In part, this has a lot to do with the unique fine, gravel based soils. This terroir is uncommon in the Right Bank with its gravel, quartz, iron, clay and sand soils. The 42 hectare vineyard of Chateau Figeac is planted to 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot. The increase in the Cabernet Sauvignon marks a change in the vineyard.
Tasting notes
“The 2016 Figeac was bottled at the end of July 2018, since Frédéric Faye wanted to give the wine more time in barrel to develop more harmony. The stunning 24-carat bouquet rivets you to the spot with brilliant delineation and mineral-rich red fruit that articulates its terroir as well as any Right Bank you will find. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, perfect acidity, wonderfully integrated new oak and enormous depth toward the fresh, pencil-box- and cedar-infused finish. This is a classic Figeac, up there with the 1947 and 1949, both recently re-tasted and testifying to a wine that genuinely belongs among the elite Saint-Émilions. Faye believes it is the best Figeac he has ever made. He is correct.”
[100/100 Points, Neal Martin, December 2028, www.vinous.com]
