Château de Figeac 2019

A stunning vivid wine, the 2019 Figeac may very well turn out to be one of the wines of the vintage, when all is said and done. Cabernet Franc is 36%, a bit higher than the norm, which has been closer to 30%. The 100% new oak is barely perceptible. Rich and dramatic in the glass, the 2019 soars with magnificent intensity. Graphite, cured meats, smoke, licorice, menthol and spice develop with aeration, but the 2019 is dense and very primary today. It is a truly grand Grand Vin in the making. 97-99 points

Estate Director Frédéric Faye describes a year of starting and stopping in terms of maturity. He chose to start harvest with the young vine Merlots on sand early to preserve freshness, but waited on the parcels with Cabernet on clay/gravel, where the soils retain more moisture. Faye opted for gentle winemaking as he was concerned over-extracting the Cabernets in particular.

Figeac PGCC
 - 30% Merlot + 34% Cabernet Sauvignon + 36% Cabernet Franc, 14.1% alcohol. Very complete with great build-up and precision. Both Cabernets were making their contributions perfectly, providing great minerality, depth and backbone. Cabernet Franc here is the best one they've harvested in the last 20 years! Merlot contributes with voluptuousness and creamy fruit. Best Figeac yet made by present staff – I think so! 98p

Dark purple colour with violet hue and black core. Sophisticated nose with expressive fruit reminiscent of blackberries, and blackcurrants, hints graphite and gingerbread spices, delicate oak and a flowery touch. On the palate well structured with ripe yet firm tannins, expressive fruit, elegant spiciness and delicate hints of graphite in the background. A textbook sample for freshness and elegance with great precision, depth and excellent length. A very promising, classic Figeac.