Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker, February 2018 - 97+P: The recent leaps and bounds in improvements that have occurred at this great estate, equating to a dramatic increase in intensity and complexity—without compromising the husky, soft-spoken, sultry voice that is Figeac—is a monumental achievement. Kudos to Frederic Faye and his team for so beautifully expressing what was clearly an extraordinary vintage at Chateau Figeac! Blended of 29% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Figeac reveals vibrant black cherries, cassis, red currants, black plums and licorice notes with touches of cigar boxes, bouquet garni, potpourri, damp soil and black pepper. Medium-bodied, delicately crafted and with nuanced, quietly intense layers of vivacious red and black fruits, the palate features a solid frame of polished, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and minerally. Neil Martin, Vinous, October 2021 - 97P: The 2015 Figeac is a step up from the 2014 with exquisite scents of red berry fruit, incense, rose petal and crush stone. Pixelated with wonderful precision. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, wonderful backbone allied with a sense of symmetry. It is more saline than previous vintages, with saliva flowing after the wine has exited. One of the standouts from the Right Bank in this vintage. Tasted at the château. General information: Château Figeac is a prestigious wine estate located in the heart of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Bordeaux. As of 2022, it holds the highest rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé A in the Saint-Émilion classification. Historical Significance The estate's history dates back to the second century during the Gallo-Roman period, when it was named after its owner Figeacus. Originally spanning 200 hectares, the estate has evolved significantly over centuries, with portions being sold to create other renowned estates, including parts of what is now Château Cheval Blanc. Estate Characteristics The property currently encompasses: - 54 hectares in total, with 41 hectares under vine- A unique terroir consisting of three Günzian gravel outcrops with blue clay subsoil- An average vine age of 35 years, with the oldest dating back to 1921 Distinctive Features The estate's wine stands out for its unique composition of grape varieties: - 35% Cabernet Sauvignon- 35% Cabernet Franc- 30% Merlot This unusual blend for Saint-Émilion, dominated by Cabernet varieties rather than Merlot, gives Figeac wines a character more reminiscent of Médoc and Graves, despite being on Bordeaux's right bank. Modern Era The Manoncourt family has owned the estate since 1892, marking nearly 130 years of continuous family ownership. A significant modernization program was completed in 2018, including the implementation of plot-by-plot vinification and gravity-flow systems. The estate maintains a strong commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, leaving nearly a quarter of its land unplanted to preserve the natural environment. Classification: In September 2022, Château Figeac was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the highest rank in the Saint-Émilion classification. This makes it one of only two châteaux holding this prestigious status, alongside Château Pavie. Classification Context The Saint-Émilion classification, which is renewed every ten years, now distinguishes 85 properties in total: - 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés A (Figeac and Pavie)- 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés- 71 Grands Crus Classés Significance This promotion was particularly notable as it came at a time when several prestigious estates, including Château Angélus, Ausone, and Cheval Blanc, had withdrawn from the classification system. The elevation to Premier Grand Cru Classé A status has had a significant impact on Figeac's market value, with wine prices rising 47.1% in the three years leading up to the classification.
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