William Kelly, Robert Parker, April 2022 - 97P: The 2019 Figeac has turned out brilliantly. Wafting from the glass with aromas of blackberries, cassis, warm spices, violets and pencil shavings, framed by a deft touch of nicely integrated new oak, it's full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with terrific depth at the core, powdery structuring tannins and lively acids, concluding with a long, precise finish. Rich but vibrant, this 2019 reflects the new precision that Frédéric Faye has brought to Figeac; but while it's richer and more polished than the wines of yesteryear, the estate's identity hasn't been lost. Director of Château Figeac since 2013, Frédéric Faye emphasizes precision and timing when he characterizes the estate's evolution over the last decade. Harvest now lasts three or four weeks, stopping and starting, so each parcel of this 41-hectare vineyard can be picked at optimal maturity. Farming is similarly adapted parcel by parcel, emphasizing sustainability. And a brand-new winery triples the team's working space, with small tanks so each parcel can be vinified separately. Yet the objective is to polish Figeac, not to change it. If the estate's wines are now suppler and fuller, their classically Cabernet-rich assemblage hasn't altered. Old-fashioned approaches such as submerged-cap fermentation for fruit growing on gravel soils have been retained. And of course, the estate's distinctive soils haven't changed. Faye and his team have turned in a brilliant performance in 2019, and the Manoncourt family have every reason to be delighted with the new lustre that he has brought to this reference-point château. Neil Martin, Vinous, January 2023 - 98P: 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. 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.
