Buy the Chateau Figeac 2018 from Bottle & Glass Wine Merchants. One of my favourite producers, Chateau Figeac is one of the largest wine estates in Saint Emilion on Bordeaux’s right bank. Located on soils comprising mostly of gravel, unlike other right bank producers, the wines of Chateau Figeac are cabernet sauvignon dominant. The history of this estate dates to the 2nd century, with the remains of a Roman villa still present on the property. Before the French revolution Figeac was owned by the well-known Vital Carles family and at one point the estate spanned over 200ha. During the 19th century it was broken up, the reason why so many surrounding estates bear the name Figeac. The Figeac vineyard is a single parcel with three gravelly outcrops that run from north to south. Grapes are usually harvested late due to the majority being cabernet, before being sorted fastidiously and fermented using natural yeasts in wooden vats. The wines are then aged in entirely new oak for 15 to 18 months. The estate was rated as Grand Cru Classé (B) in the original St Emilion Classification of 1955 and in 2022 was elevated to Grand Cru Classé (A), the highest ranking. Provenance is the most important thing when buying a wine like this. The wine was purchased direct from the importer and has been stored in a temperature controlled cabinet since it's arrival in Sydney. Chateau Figeac 2018 Reviews Lots of great reviews for this stunning wine. Here are just a couple: "This still exudes the freshness and exuberance that the wine had during the primeur stage with its scents of blackcurrant, raspberry, and crushed strawberry along with a delicate floral touch. The new oak is perfectly integrated while imparting a subtle smoky note. The attack is surprisingly creamy, announcing a full-bodied texture wrapped around perfectly polished tannins allied with fine-judged acidity that together provide thrust leading to a finish that is intense yet light-footed and infused with freshness. This is a truly remarkable wine that will surely develop an even more velvety mouthfeel in years to come. Bravo." 100 points. Yohan Castaing. Decanter. Sep 2021 "A powerful, structured Figeac, offering loads of blackberry, blueberry, chocolate, walnut and mushroom with some tobacco. It’s full-bodied with layered, chewy tannins that are polished and beautiful. So impressive and solid. Better than the great 2010? Time will tell. Goes on for a long time. Try after 2026." 98 points, James Suckling, March 2021. "Reminiscent of the 2016 with its incredible purity and elegance, the 2018 Château Figeac offers a terrific perfume of crème de cassis, redcurrants, dried earth, tobacco, lead pencil, spring flowers, and exotic spice-driven nuances. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it's flawlessly balanced, has silky, polished tannins, and a stunning sense of purity. It doesn't have the sexiness of the 2015, but it's very much in the style of the 2018 vintage with its pure, elegant, haut couture-like style. And it doesn't show a hint of its 100% new oak élevage. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20-30 years. It's not the biggest or richest Saint- Emilion, yet the balance, finesse, and elegance are something to behold. I think it's going to check in behind the 2015 (and maybe the 2019) when all is said and done, but it's unquestionably one of the greatest Figeac in the past 20-30 years. The blend is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, raised all in new oak. Another big “Bravo” to the talented director, Frédéric Faye!" 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck, Nov 2020. The Chateau Figeac 2018 is available to buy in limited quanties from Bottle & Glass online.
Related
Related
Related
Related