Chateau Figeac St. Emilion Bordeaux, The Complete Guide

Figeac Chateau

Learn everything about Chateau Figeac St. Emilion, Premier Cru Classe A, with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, the history of the property, and information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Figeac History, Overview

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. At that time, the owner of the property, Figeacus gave his name to the villa he built in the same location.

Even the ancient Romans knew Figeac had great terroir. Figeac is one of the few St. Emilion wine vineyards that has remained continually occupied for the past two thousand years.

If you’re visiting Chateau Figeac, you can easily see a water supply system that dates back to the days of the ancient Romans. There are also remains of building foundations, ruins from the Middle Ages, and even defensive walls along with the remnants of the original Renaissance chateau at Figeac.

The Renaissance stylings are easily noted in the famous door and the tower. The genesis of the chateau was built in 1586 by Raymond de Cazes. The current chateau was constructed in 1780.

In 1661, through marriage, the estate passed to the Carles family was renamed Chateau Carle Figeac. By the late 18th century, Chateau Figeac had already been owned by descendants of the de Cazes family for almost five centuries! By that time, the vineyards of Figeac had grown to a massive 200 hectares.

Much of the growth came from a major expansion headed by Elie de Carle before the French Revolution. Elie de Carle also owned what we know of as Chateau Clos Fourtet as well. At 200 hectares, Figeac was one of the largest Bordeaux vineyards in the entire appellation. That is not the case today.

Over the years, numerous owners have bought and sold different parcels and plots. This is the explanation as to why so many different chateaux in the region have Figeac in their name. The vineyards of Figeac were sold over a long period of time during the early 17th century and beyond, which led to the creation of several other Saint Emilion estates.

Portions of the land were also purchased by neighboring Pomerol producers like Chateau La Conseillante. One of the largest sections of Figeac was sold to the Ducasse family who used the land for Chateau Cheval Blanc.

By the time Figeac was purchased by Andre Villepigue from the Chevremont family in 1892, the 200-hectare vineyard had dwindled to only 37 hectares of vines. Thierry Manoncourt took over managing the property starting in 1946. His first year at the estate was on a trial basis.

Chateau Figeac The Modern Age

In 1947, Thierry Manoncourt took control of the property and never looked back. He was the first in his family to live at the estate. Born in Paris, Thierry Manoncourt earned a degree in agronomy. He was one of the founders of the Bordeaux Grand Crus Union. He was president of the Jurade of Saint Emilion from 1964 to 1987. Thierry Manoncourt was as traditional as he was innovative. When he completely renovated the cellars and wine-making facilities.

Thierry Manoncourt made the then-bold move of having Figeac be the first major estate in the Right Bank to use temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats in the fermentation room. This took place in 1971. It was also the idea of Thierry Manoncourt to have Chateau Figeac become the first important estate in the Right Bank to produce a second wine.

Thierry Manoncourt passed away Friday, August 27, 2010, at his beloved Chateau Figeac, located in St. Emilion. One of the last of the old guards, he was only a few days shy of his 93rd birthday. Funeral services were held in Saint Emilion.

The wine of Chateau Figeac went through a period of making wine not up to the quality of its terror over the past several decades. It can be argued that Figeac was not up to par since the great 1964.

Following the reclassification of St. Emilion in 2013, when Figeac lobbied but did not come close to receiving its much, sought-after promotion to Premier Cru Classe A status, Figeac made steps to improve its wines, image, and position on the marketplace.

Figeac Madame Manoncourt

The first step in the right direction for the resurgence of Chateau Figeac was the hiring of the wine consultant, Michel Rolland and Jean Valmy Nicolas of Chateau La Conseillante. Bringing in Michel Rolland sparked controversy, as the wine of Chateau Figeac has a very traditional fan base.

Having tasted 2012, and 2013 where Michel Rolland assisted in the blending, the wine is clearly better. And let me set the record straight, the 2015 Figeac is mind-blowing! The difference in the wines was especially noticeable in the mid-palate, density, and texture.

The next decision was to retire the previous director, who managed Chateau Figeac since 1988, Eric d’Aramon. This was a difficult move as Eric d’Aramon was the son-in-law of Thierry Manoncourt. d’Aramon was replaced by Frederic Faye as the director at the behest of Madame Marie-France Manoncourt.

Once Frederic Faye was firmly in place, he made a few, other important changes. In the barrel cellars, he installed new temperature-controlled units with ventilation. The following year the chateau modernized its cellars, removed its older pumps, and started moving everything by gravity flow.

His next efforts were in the vineyards, with additional planting of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that were hoped would be a better fit for the warm, gravel soils.

In 2015, Chateau Figeac started a major renovation and modernization of the cellars that allowed for the complete plot-by-plot vinification which was finished completed in 2018.

The best vintages of Chateau Figeac are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 1998, 1990, 1982, 1964, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1950, 1949, 1947 and 1945. Figeac went through a difficult period from 1990 to 2008 when several vintages were made in a lighter style.

Starting in 2009, things began to turn around with 2012 and the 2015 Figeac was a contender for the best wine made in the history of the estate! That is until the mind-blowing 2016 was produced! Considering all the great older vintages, that is really saying something.

In 2021, Chateau Figeac completed a multi-year renovation to their now, state-of-the-art cellars. In 2022, Chateau Figeac was promoted from Premier Grand Cru Classe B to Premier Grand Cru Classe!

Chateau Figeac Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 42-hectare vineyard of Chateau Figeac is planted to 35% Cabernet Franc, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The increase in the Cabernet Sauvignon marks a change in the vineyard. Those plantings make Figeac one of the most unique vineyards in the Right Bank.

The preponderance of both types of Cabernet in the vineyard and in the wine can often make Figeac a difficult wine to taste En Primeur. Figeac often needs a few extra months for the blend to really come together and show its potential.

Located in the northwest portion of St. Emilion. The vineyards of Figeac are divided into several, separate parcels. The average vine density in the vineyards of Chateau Figeac is 6,000 vines per hectare in the newer plantings. Older vines are at 5,500 vines per hectare.

They have old vines. In fact, the oldest vines belonging to Chateau Figeac are now close to 100 years of age! On average, they are 45 years of age. Interestingly, many of the estate vines were personally planted by Thierry Manoncourt with some help from Madame Marie France Manoncourt.

As we mentioned earlier, 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.

Figeac is situated in the graves region of Saint Emilion, which takes its name as you might guess, from the gravel in the soil. There are 5 gravel hillsides in this area, and 3 of those hills are at Figeac.

The 3 gravel ridges that make up the vineyard also play a pivotal role in the terroir, and thus the character and style of the wine. The gravel affords natural drainage and offers the perfect home for its unique varietal makeup.

At their peak, they reach 38 meters at the top of the slopes. The ridges run north to south, affording a southern exposure. You find most of their Cabernet Sauvignon on the gravel plateaus and the Cabernet Franc, further down the slopes.

As you travel east, you find more clay. If you head west, the soil is lighter, with more sand. More than 50% of the vines are farmed organically. In 2009, the estate started its own massale selection program taken from the oldest vines from each of the three grape varieties in the vineyard.

It should be noted that along with Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Figeac is one of the few great terroirs of Saint Emilion not situated on the limestone-based soils of the cotes. Interestingly, until the 1950s, the vineyard of Chateau Figeac maintained close to 5% Malbec. There was also a tiny portion of Petit Verdot planted in the vineyards until 1956.

All those vines were eventually removed. The vineyard, located close to Chateau Cheval Blanc and Pomerol, with its gravelly terroir explains in part, why Figeac is able to produce such an elegant wine.

However, the entire estate is not reserved for vines. They have a massive garden replete with a myriad of flowers. There is a lake with swans, geese, and ducks located behind the personal family home. This is truly a unique oasis in Saint Emilion.

Figeac Cellars

Chateau Figeac Winemaking

To produce the wine of Chateau Figeac, vinification takes place in a combination of 20 large, temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks and large, open-top wood vats. The vats are divided as follows, 12 are stainless steel and 10 are large, open-top, conical-shaped oak tanks.

This allows for a parcel by parcel vinification. Since 2009, malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels. Chateau Figeac is then aged in 100% new, French oak barrels for between 14 to 18 months before bottling.

The blend of Chateau Figeac most often relied on equal portions of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon in the past. Today, that is no longer the case.

The blend varies from vintage to vintage, depending on the character of the year, and how each separate grape variety performed.

The average annual production of Chateau Figeac is close to 10,000 cases per vintage. There is a second wine, La Grange Neuve de Figeac which made it’s debut with the 1945 vintage.

Here’s a nice fact for you, Thierry Manoncourt was the first Right Bank producer to create a second wine. In 2013, the second wine was renamed Petit Figeac. In 2014, the estate became to first Saint Emilion property to inspect each cork, before bottling.

When to Drink Chateau Figeac, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Figeac is much better with at least 12-15 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-3 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Figeac offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 12-40 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Decanting Chateau Figeac with Wine and Food Pairings

Chateau Figeac is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Figeac is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Figeac is also good when matched with Asian dishes, and rich fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.

In addition to Figeac, the Manoncourt family owns 2 other small estates in Saint Emilion, Chateau La Fleur Pourret, which comes from 4.5 hectares of vines located not far from the village of St. Emilion, and Chateau de Millery, which is produced from a tiny 1-hectare parcel of vines in the eastern portion of the appellation in the commune of Saint Christophe des Bardes.

www.chateau-figeac.com

Château Figeac Wine Tasting Notes

48 Vintages 431,617 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
99
It takes nothing to sense all the intensity, freshness, and depth here. But, more importantly, it is the character. The wine is sensuous, sultry, and lively. The fruits are drenched in cashmere, and velvet that caresses your palate. The levels of depth, richness, opulence, and vibrancy must be felt to be believed. The finish, with its seemingly endless waves of black, blue, and red fruits, with their natural spiciness and purity is off the hook. The seamless finish looks at the 60 second mark, and keeps on going! This is the first vintage for Chateau Figeac as Premier Cru Classe A. With this wine, it is clear they deserve it. The wine blends 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. 8% Press wine. 14% ABV, 3.7 pH. Picking took place September 1 - September 26. This is the earliest harvest in the history of Figeac. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2065. 98-100 Pts.

It takes nothing to sense all the intensity, freshness, and depth here. But, more importantly, it is the character. The wine is sensuous, sultry, and lively. The fruits are drenched in cashmere, and velvet that caresses your palate. The levels of depth, richness, opulence, and vibrancy must be felt to be believed. The finish, with its seemingly endless waves of black, blue, and red fruits, with their natural spiciness and purity is off the hook. The seamless finish looks at the 60 second mark, and keeps on going! This is the first vintage for Chateau Figeac as Premier Cru Classe A. With this wine, it is clear they deserve it. The wine blends 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Franc, and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. 8% Press wine. 14% ABV, 3.7 pH. Picking took place September 1 - September 26. This is the earliest harvest in the history of Figeac. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2065. 98-100 Pts.

4,064 Views   Tasted
2021
96
Floral, energetic, and fresh, this is the perfect example of elegance and class. The nose, with its bouquet of flowers is made even better with the addition of cigar wrappers, mint, cherries, plums, black raspberries, cocoa and espresso. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, with layers of red, and dark red fruits, refined-textures, and a finish with length, purity, and a salty savory, minty endnote. This is a perfect example of a modern classic wine blending 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 29% Merlot. Drink from 2026-2055.

Floral, energetic, and fresh, this is the perfect example of elegance and class. The nose, with its bouquet of flowers is made even better with the addition of cigar wrappers, mint, cherries, plums, black raspberries, cocoa and espresso. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, with layers of red, and dark red fruits, refined-textures, and a finish with length, purity, and a salty savory, minty endnote. This is a perfect example of a modern classic wine blending 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 29% Merlot. Drink from 2026-2055.

285 Views   Tasted
Violets, roses, cigar wrapper, espresso, cherries, plums, blackberries and currants create the attention-seeking perfume. Lively and fresh, the wine is perfectly balanced between its elegant nature, vibrant red fruits, silky textures, length and purity. The fruit has a sweetness along with salinity that is impossible to miss. The wine is a slow build on your palate. So you do not notice it at first. But with an intake of air, the wine begins slowly expanding in the finish. This is a perfect example of a modern classic wine blending 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 29% Merlot. 13% ABV, 3.65% pH. The harvest took place September 21 - October 19, making 2021 not only one of the longest harvests in the history of the estate, but also one of the latest vintages they have ever recorded. Both choices were the key to the vintages success here. Of equal importance, 2021 marks the debut vintage for the estate's new, state-of-the-art cellars. Drink from 2026-2055. 95-97

Violets, roses, cigar wrapper, espresso, cherries, plums, blackberries and currants create the attention-seeking perfume. Lively and fresh, the wine is perfectly balanced between its elegant nature, vibrant red fruits, silky textures, length and purity. The fruit has a sweetness along with salinity that is impossible to miss. The wine is a slow build on your palate. So you do not notice it at first. But with an intake of air, the wine begins slowly expanding in the finish. This is a perfect example of a modern classic wine blending 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc and 29% Merlot. 13% ABV, 3.65% pH. The harvest took place September 21 - October 19, making 2021 not only one of the longest harvests in the history of the estate, but also one of the latest vintages they have ever recorded. Both choices were the key to the vintages success here. Of equal importance, 2021 marks the debut vintage for the estate's new, state-of-the-art cellars. Drink from 2026-2055. 95-97

2,991 Views   Tasted
2021
90
Floral, racy, fresh, bright, red cherries with savory accents of herbs, cedar and tobacco, the wine is medium-bodied, sweet, refined, elegant, and already delicious. Feel free to pop a cork on release for its vibrant, red cherry, and kirsch profile. Drink from 2024-2034.

Floral, racy, fresh, bright, red cherries with savory accents of herbs, cedar and tobacco, the wine is medium-bodied, sweet, refined, elegant, and already delicious. Feel free to pop a cork on release for its vibrant, red cherry, and kirsch profile. Drink from 2024-2034.

293 Views   Tasted
2020
99
The purity, elegance, refinement, and walls of perfectly ripe, sweet, sensuous fruits are almost off the charts here! Aromatically, the floral bouquet with accents of espresso, black plums, cherries, black raspberries, spice, licorice, and wet earth can keep any taster busy for ages. But the magic really hits you when the wine begins caressing your palate with its opulent, luscious, silky, velvet-drenched layers of fruit, and freshness which steals the show. The seamless, 60-second plus finish is riveting, inspiring you to go back for another sniff, swirl, and sip for the pleasure of it. I do not often drink when tasting. But we finished every drop of this bottle. This is a serious candidate for triple-digit perfection after a decade of aging. Drink from 2027-2065.

The purity, elegance, refinement, and walls of perfectly ripe, sweet, sensuous fruits are almost off the charts here! Aromatically, the floral bouquet with accents of espresso, black plums, cherries, black raspberries, spice, licorice, and wet earth can keep any taster busy for ages. But the magic really hits you when the wine begins caressing your palate with its opulent, luscious, silky, velvet-drenched layers of fruit, and freshness which steals the show. The seamless, 60-second plus finish is riveting, inspiring you to go back for another sniff, swirl, and sip for the pleasure of it. I do not often drink when tasting. But we finished every drop of this bottle. This is a serious candidate for triple-digit perfection after a decade of aging. Drink from 2027-2065.

8,002 Views   Tasted
Roses, tobacco leaf, oak, black raspberries, spice, black currants and plum aromas are all over the place. Incredibly silky on the palate, the wine is fresh and focused on its purity and precision. Elegant, gentle and refined, the sweet, ripe cherries come in waves, building in length and intensity from the mid-palate through the finish, which lasts almost 50 seconds. The wine is effortless to drink. This should age and evolve for decades. The wine blends 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.9% ABV, 3.7 pH. Picking took place September 4, October1, making it one of the longest harvests in the history of the estate. 97-99 Pts

Roses, tobacco leaf, oak, black raspberries, spice, black currants and plum aromas are all over the place. Incredibly silky on the palate, the wine is fresh and focused on its purity and precision. Elegant, gentle and refined, the sweet, ripe cherries come in waves, building in length and intensity from the mid-palate through the finish, which lasts almost 50 seconds. The wine is effortless to drink. This should age and evolve for decades. The wine blends 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.9% ABV, 3.7 pH. Picking took place September 4, October1, making it one of the longest harvests in the history of the estate. 97-99 Pts

7,538 Views   Tasted
2019
99
Not quite at the level of the over the moon 2016, but not too far either, this sublime gem is almost opaque in color. This is so concentrated, silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. Blackberry, espresso, black currants, licorice, flowers and wet earth with cherry blossoms crowd into the perfume. Fresh, vibrant, lively and structured to age and evolve for decades, the wine ends with waves of perfectly ripe, vibrant, red and black fruits that simply do not want to quit! Drink from 2035-2060.

Not quite at the level of the over the moon 2016, but not too far either, this sublime gem is almost opaque in color. This is so concentrated, silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. Blackberry, espresso, black currants, licorice, flowers and wet earth with cherry blossoms crowd into the perfume. Fresh, vibrant, lively and structured to age and evolve for decades, the wine ends with waves of perfectly ripe, vibrant, red and black fruits that simply do not want to quit! Drink from 2035-2060.

10,093 Views   Tasted
Beautifully dark, almost purple/garnet in color, the wine gets you going with its nose of flowers, blackberry, dark plums, spice, smoke, vanilla, cherries, licorice and tobacco leaf. As good as that is, when the wine hits your palate, the show starts with its majestic textures. Voluptuous, opulent and silky, the wine seeks attention, but it's not loud, it's discreet. Classic and yet, voluminous, the flamboyant palate-coating finish, with its multiple layers of fruit stays with you for close to 60 seconds. The wine was made from a classic blend of 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot reaching 14.1% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The harvest took place September 13 - October 7. 97-99 Pts

Beautifully dark, almost purple/garnet in color, the wine gets you going with its nose of flowers, blackberry, dark plums, spice, smoke, vanilla, cherries, licorice and tobacco leaf. As good as that is, when the wine hits your palate, the show starts with its majestic textures. Voluptuous, opulent and silky, the wine seeks attention, but it's not loud, it's discreet. Classic and yet, voluminous, the flamboyant palate-coating finish, with its multiple layers of fruit stays with you for close to 60 seconds. The wine was made from a classic blend of 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot reaching 14.1% ABV with a pH of 3.7 and is aging in 100% new, French oak barrels. The harvest took place September 13 - October 7. 97-99 Pts

10,926 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Medium-bodied, soft, fresh, forward, and already just great to taste due to all the ripe, sweet, red plums, cherries, flowers, earth and herbs. Silky, refined and ready to go, you can enjoy this on release or age it for more complexity. Drink from 2022-2032.

Medium-bodied, soft, fresh, forward, and already just great to taste due to all the ripe, sweet, red plums, cherries, flowers, earth and herbs. Silky, refined and ready to go, you can enjoy this on release or age it for more complexity. Drink from 2022-2032.

3,170 Views   Tasted
2018
98
Inky dark in color, the wine offers a new aromatic display featuring nutmeg, spice, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, and cigar box notes. Opulent, velvety, rich, and deep, the fruit comes in layers, coating your palate. The salinity in the finish stands out in the long series of endnotes. With the 2018, you need patience, so wait at least 5-6 more years and enjoy the wine over the next 30 or more years after that! The wine blends 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2060.

Inky dark in color, the wine offers a new aromatic display featuring nutmeg, spice, espresso, blackberry, black cherry, and cigar box notes. Opulent, velvety, rich, and deep, the fruit comes in layers, coating your palate. The salinity in the finish stands out in the long series of endnotes. With the 2018, you need patience, so wait at least 5-6 more years and enjoy the wine over the next 30 or more years after that! The wine blends 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2028-2060.

6,273 Views   Tasted
Almost at the level of the perfect 2016, this gorgeous wine sports an inky dark hue with a complex aromatic profile of flowers, licorice, herbs, black with red fruits and espresso bean. The wine shows a beautiful sense of purity in the fruit that expresses itself best in its concentrated, velvet textured, sumptuous, silky, sensuous palate. This stunning wine requires at least a decade before it is ready for the start of its prime time drinking window. The wine was made from a blend of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc.

Almost at the level of the perfect 2016, this gorgeous wine sports an inky dark hue with a complex aromatic profile of flowers, licorice, herbs, black with red fruits and espresso bean. The wine shows a beautiful sense of purity in the fruit that expresses itself best in its concentrated, velvet textured, sumptuous, silky, sensuous palate. This stunning wine requires at least a decade before it is ready for the start of its prime time drinking window. The wine was made from a blend of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc.

5,839 Views   Tasted
Pitch black in color with purple accents, my glass seemed like it was packed with an orchard of berries! The fruit pops from the get go. Blackberry, smoke, licorice, flowers and earthy black plums are impossible to avoid. And why would you want to miss out on all this complexity? Everything is in balance here as the volume is matched by the freshness and level of purity in the fruit. And to top things off, the tannins are incredibly velvety. The fruit coats your palate in all the right ways with a finish that never wants to leave. The wine was made from a blend of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. The wine reached 14% ABV and the picking took place from September 17 to October 12. 98-100 Pts

Pitch black in color with purple accents, my glass seemed like it was packed with an orchard of berries! The fruit pops from the get go. Blackberry, smoke, licorice, flowers and earthy black plums are impossible to avoid. And why would you want to miss out on all this complexity? Everything is in balance here as the volume is matched by the freshness and level of purity in the fruit. And to top things off, the tannins are incredibly velvety. The fruit coats your palate in all the right ways with a finish that never wants to leave. The wine was made from a blend of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc. The wine reached 14% ABV and the picking took place from September 17 to October 12. 98-100 Pts

5,317 Views   Tasted
2018
90
Red berries, cigar wrapper, espresso and earthy notes create the perfume. The wine is medium-bodied, sweet, refined elegant and lifted, with a cherry filled, supple textured finish. This is ready to go and is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop.

Red berries, cigar wrapper, espresso and earthy notes create the perfume. The wine is medium-bodied, sweet, refined elegant and lifted, with a cherry filled, supple textured finish. This is ready to go and is perfect to enjoy while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop.

3,481 Views   Tasted
2017
96
Earthy fruits, tobacco leaves, black plums, cigar box, and dark red currants are found in the nose and on the palate. The wine is bright, crisp, and savory, with a classic, firm edge, and a savory, chalky finish. Give this some time in the cellar to soften and flesh out. Drink from 2029-2055.

Earthy fruits, tobacco leaves, black plums, cigar box, and dark red currants are found in the nose and on the palate. The wine is bright, crisp, and savory, with a classic, firm edge, and a savory, chalky finish. Give this some time in the cellar to soften and flesh out. Drink from 2029-2055.

4,045 Views   Tasted
The wine is richly textured, dark in color, showing purity of fruit with weight and density. Flowers, dark plums and black raspberry aromatics prevail with an extra nuance of licorice and wet earth. Everything here comes alive with a bit of coaxing. Full-bodied, the wine offers its fruit without much effort. There is length, freshness and soft polished textures in the finish. The wine was made from a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.66. Due to the frost yields were quite low this year, producing only 22 hectoliters per hectare.

The wine is richly textured, dark in color, showing purity of fruit with weight and density. Flowers, dark plums and black raspberry aromatics prevail with an extra nuance of licorice and wet earth. Everything here comes alive with a bit of coaxing. Full-bodied, the wine offers its fruit without much effort. There is length, freshness and soft polished textures in the finish. The wine was made from a blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, reaching 13.5% ABV with a pH of 3.66. Due to the frost yields were quite low this year, producing only 22 hectoliters per hectare.

3,399 Views   Tasted
2016
100
Heart-stopping from start to finish, here you have a wealth of perfectly ripe, silky fruits that come in non-stop waves and layers. Purity, silkiness, energy, and cashmere tannins with a seamless finish that easily breaks the 60-second mark and keeps on going. This is one of those special wines that is destined to become a legend in a decade or two. If you have some in your cellar, you are sitting on liquid gold. If you do not have any, and if you have disposable income, grab a few bottles or a case. Drink from 2026-2060. The wine was made by blending 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2060.

Heart-stopping from start to finish, here you have a wealth of perfectly ripe, silky fruits that come in non-stop waves and layers. Purity, silkiness, energy, and cashmere tannins with a seamless finish that easily breaks the 60-second mark and keeps on going. This is one of those special wines that is destined to become a legend in a decade or two. If you have some in your cellar, you are sitting on liquid gold. If you do not have any, and if you have disposable income, grab a few bottles or a case. Drink from 2026-2060. The wine was made by blending 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2060.

9,544 Views   Tasted
Still looking like a barrel sample, the wine shows off a bouquet of flowers, black plums, smoke, licorice, coffee bean, wet earth and cherry. Full-bodied, rich, silky, velvety, long and frankly, this is just a joy to feel on your palate. The wine is sensuous, opulent and yet, remains focused on the freshness and purity of the fruit at its core. This is stunning in every sense of the word. If you score a bottle, try it within a year or so, else age it for 12 or more years. This is another 1949 in the making! The wine was made from blending 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc.

Still looking like a barrel sample, the wine shows off a bouquet of flowers, black plums, smoke, licorice, coffee bean, wet earth and cherry. Full-bodied, rich, silky, velvety, long and frankly, this is just a joy to feel on your palate. The wine is sensuous, opulent and yet, remains focused on the freshness and purity of the fruit at its core. This is stunning in every sense of the word. If you score a bottle, try it within a year or so, else age it for 12 or more years. This is another 1949 in the making! The wine was made from blending 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc.

10,750 Views   Tasted
Knocking on the door of 100 Pts, this leaves you speechless. The wine offers mouth coating layers of silk and velvet drenched fruit. The wine combines, lift, opulence and length, with a finish that sticks with you for close to 60 seconds. This is a contender for wine of the vintage!

Knocking on the door of 100 Pts, this leaves you speechless. The wine offers mouth coating layers of silk and velvet drenched fruit. The wine combines, lift, opulence and length, with a finish that sticks with you for close to 60 seconds. This is a contender for wine of the vintage!

12,193 Views   Tasted
A great blend of density and supple, sensuous textures, velvety tannins and continuous waves of sweet, ripe, pure boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and chocolate. The fruit is very precise. The sweetness and purity is complimented by vibrant acidity and there is mouth-coating fruit that's fresh from start to finish. It’s often easy for me to choose a favorite vintage between 2015 and 2016 but not here. This is sublime! From a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.67 and will be aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months. The picking took place September 23 to October 20. The Grand Vin represents 60% of the harvest.

A great blend of density and supple, sensuous textures, velvety tannins and continuous waves of sweet, ripe, pure boysenberry, black cherry, licorice and chocolate. The fruit is very precise. The sweetness and purity is complimented by vibrant acidity and there is mouth-coating fruit that's fresh from start to finish. It’s often easy for me to choose a favorite vintage between 2015 and 2016 but not here. This is sublime! From a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.67 and will be aged in 100% new French oak for 18 months. The picking took place September 23 to October 20. The Grand Vin represents 60% of the harvest.

9,722 Views   Tasted
2015
99
Almost opaque in color, the wine is packed with seemingly endless layers of black plums, cherries, sea salt, flowers, espresso, Cuban cigar, flowers, tobacco leaf, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, opulent, and intense, the velvet-textured finish builds and expands with fruits that move from black to blue to red adding complexity and sapidité. Drink from 2025-2055.

Almost opaque in color, the wine is packed with seemingly endless layers of black plums, cherries, sea salt, flowers, espresso, Cuban cigar, flowers, tobacco leaf, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, opulent, and intense, the velvet-textured finish builds and expands with fruits that move from black to blue to red adding complexity and sapidité. Drink from 2025-2055.

6,014 Views   Tasted
Clearly, the first great Figeac of the 21st century, this wine has it all. Mouth-filling, yet light on its feet, the wine is all about the purity of fruit, freshness, elegance, refinement, silky tannins and velvet drenched finish. This is a wine I am thrilled to have in my own cellar!

Clearly, the first great Figeac of the 21st century, this wine has it all. Mouth-filling, yet light on its feet, the wine is all about the purity of fruit, freshness, elegance, refinement, silky tannins and velvet drenched finish. This is a wine I am thrilled to have in my own cellar!

12,229 Views   Tasted
This is silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. Blackberry, licorice, espresso, truffle and pure black cherry aromatics create the bouquet. On the palate this is where the wine really hits the home run! Silky, polished, vibrant, intense and concentrated, the wine expands as it lingers moving from the mid palate to the silky, full bodied, blast of fruit, spice, vibrancy and dark fruits. The velvet textured finish stays on your palate for over 50 seconds with all its deep, dark, perfectly ripe fruits. This should age for 30-50 years without trouble. There are wines you want to have in your cellar and there are wines you want your friends to cellar as well, and this is one of those wines.

This is silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. Blackberry, licorice, espresso, truffle and pure black cherry aromatics create the bouquet. On the palate this is where the wine really hits the home run! Silky, polished, vibrant, intense and concentrated, the wine expands as it lingers moving from the mid palate to the silky, full bodied, blast of fruit, spice, vibrancy and dark fruits. The velvet textured finish stays on your palate for over 50 seconds with all its deep, dark, perfectly ripe fruits. This should age for 30-50 years without trouble. There are wines you want to have in your cellar and there are wines you want your friends to cellar as well, and this is one of those wines.

9,100 Views   Tasted
I really liked this in barrel, but I am loving it in bottle. WOW! This is stunning! There are wines you want to have in your cellar and there are wines you want your friends to cellar as well, and this is one of those wines. This is silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. The wine offers purity f fruit, length, concentration, character and complexity. The velvet textured finish sticks with you for more than 50 seconds with all its deep, dark, perfectly ripe, sweet red sensuously textured fruits. This should age for 30-50 years with no trouble.

I really liked this in barrel, but I am loving it in bottle. WOW! This is stunning! There are wines you want to have in your cellar and there are wines you want your friends to cellar as well, and this is one of those wines. This is silky, rich and decadent, it's almost off the charts. The wine offers purity f fruit, length, concentration, character and complexity. The velvet textured finish sticks with you for more than 50 seconds with all its deep, dark, perfectly ripe, sweet red sensuously textured fruits. This should age for 30-50 years with no trouble.

8,105 Views   Tasted
Intensity, concentration, complexity, character and length. The wine offers finesse, silky tannins and purity in its red berry, velvet textured fruits. This should age effortlessly for 3 decades or more. OK, this is not your grandmother's Figeac, and that's just fine. I love my grandmother, but this is a better wine!

Intensity, concentration, complexity, character and length. The wine offers finesse, silky tannins and purity in its red berry, velvet textured fruits. This should age effortlessly for 3 decades or more. OK, this is not your grandmother's Figeac, and that's just fine. I love my grandmother, but this is a better wine!

8,849 Views   Tasted
This was the best wine ever produced at Figeac, until they made the 2016. But that should not take anything away from this stunner. Lusciously textured, hedonistic, fragrant and complex, the wine has everything needed to hit the top, or surpass my initial score range..

This was the best wine ever produced at Figeac, until they made the 2016. But that should not take anything away from this stunner. Lusciously textured, hedonistic, fragrant and complex, the wine has everything needed to hit the top, or surpass my initial score range..

8,512 Views   Tasted
I loved this wine! I really liked it during the April tastings, but in just a few short months, the wine has morphed into one of the top wines of the vintage! It has put on weight, the tannins are pure velvet and the finish sticks with you for close to 60 seconds. If you have been thinking about buying the wine, pick up a few bottles, it is really off the hook. Clearly this is the best wine produced at the estate since the great era of Figeac in the 40's & 50s! 97-99 Pts

I loved this wine! I really liked it during the April tastings, but in just a few short months, the wine has morphed into one of the top wines of the vintage! It has put on weight, the tannins are pure velvet and the finish sticks with you for close to 60 seconds. If you have been thinking about buying the wine, pick up a few bottles, it is really off the hook. Clearly this is the best wine produced at the estate since the great era of Figeac in the 40's & 50s! 97-99 Pts

14,671 Views   Tasted
This wine displays the darkest hue of any Figeac vintage I recall seeing. The nose, with its floral, gravel, tobacco, earth and spearmint profile, is a real treat. On the palate, the wine offers a fresh, vibrant blast of perfectly ripe, sweet, blackberry, boysenberry, plum and a dash of cocoa. The tannins are silky with good concentration, freshness and purity of fruit. Interestingly, the wine does not seem like it’s going to last on your palate, but it surprises you, as it just keeps going and going until morning, with a sweet climax of juicy plum, licorice and cigar wrapper notes. Clearly, the best Figeac in years. From a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The wine will be aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 months. The picking took place September 21 to October 15 and the Grand Vin was produced from 65% of the harvest.

This wine displays the darkest hue of any Figeac vintage I recall seeing. The nose, with its floral, gravel, tobacco, earth and spearmint profile, is a real treat. On the palate, the wine offers a fresh, vibrant blast of perfectly ripe, sweet, blackberry, boysenberry, plum and a dash of cocoa. The tannins are silky with good concentration, freshness and purity of fruit. Interestingly, the wine does not seem like it’s going to last on your palate, but it surprises you, as it just keeps going and going until morning, with a sweet climax of juicy plum, licorice and cigar wrapper notes. Clearly, the best Figeac in years. From a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, and 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14% ABV with a pH of 3.75. The wine will be aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 months. The picking took place September 21 to October 15 and the Grand Vin was produced from 65% of the harvest.

8,325 Views   Tasted
2015
87
From 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc comes a medium-bodied, licorice, cherry and earthy wine with freshness, soft, sweet fruits and early drinkability.

From 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc comes a medium-bodied, licorice, cherry and earthy wine with freshness, soft, sweet fruits and early drinkability.

3,585 Views   Tasted
2014
93
Medium bodied, finesse styled, elegant wine with tobacco, coffee and plums. Classic in style, with soft tannins, silky textures and bright, spicy, earthy red fruits are easily available in the finish.

Medium bodied, finesse styled, elegant wine with tobacco, coffee and plums. Classic in style, with soft tannins, silky textures and bright, spicy, earthy red fruits are easily available in the finish.

8,077 Views   Tasted
Deep in color, the first thing you notice is the gravel scents that move to blackberry, tobacco and cigar box aromas. There is richness and concentration, refined but present tannin, mineral drive and a dark berry finish. From a blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV and will be aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 months. The yields were 33 hectoliters per hectare. 93-94 Pts

Deep in color, the first thing you notice is the gravel scents that move to blackberry, tobacco and cigar box aromas. There is richness and concentration, refined but present tannin, mineral drive and a dark berry finish. From a blend of 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV and will be aged in 100% new, French oak for 18 months. The yields were 33 hectoliters per hectare. 93-94 Pts

5,435 Views   Tasted
2013
90
Medium bodied, finesse styled, elegant wine with a focus on fresh, sweet, red fruits, softness and floral accents. Give this a few years and it could be even better as it continues to fill out. Part of the reason for the success of the wine in this difficult year was the increased percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. In fact, with 50% of the blend devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage holds the record for the most Cabernet ever used in the history of Figeac.

Medium bodied, finesse styled, elegant wine with a focus on fresh, sweet, red fruits, softness and floral accents. Give this a few years and it could be even better as it continues to fill out. Part of the reason for the success of the wine in this difficult year was the increased percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend. In fact, with 50% of the blend devoted to Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage holds the record for the most Cabernet ever used in the history of Figeac.

4,806 Views   Tasted
Ruby in color, with a nose of chocolate, coffee bean and raspberries, the wine is medium bodied, soft, bright and completed by sweet, fresh cherries. From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, (The highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon used in over 30 years!) 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak. I am not sure why there is so much muss, fuss and fear over bringing in Michel Rolland. The team of Rolland and Frederic Faye are clearly helping the estate as this is a very successful wine for the vintage. Far too many writers and consumers should not live in the past. They should actually taste the wines before deciding on if they like a wine, or not. It will be interesting to see what happens at Figeac when the next great vintage arrives. 90-92 Pts

Ruby in color, with a nose of chocolate, coffee bean and raspberries, the wine is medium bodied, soft, bright and completed by sweet, fresh cherries. From a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, (The highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon used in over 30 years!) 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 13% ABV with a pH of 3.7. The wine is aging in 100% new French oak. I am not sure why there is so much muss, fuss and fear over bringing in Michel Rolland. The team of Rolland and Frederic Faye are clearly helping the estate as this is a very successful wine for the vintage. Far too many writers and consumers should not live in the past. They should actually taste the wines before deciding on if they like a wine, or not. It will be interesting to see what happens at Figeac when the next great vintage arrives. 90-92 Pts

3,217 Views   Tasted
2012
92
Medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh, and floral, with a cedar and tobacco edge to the ripe, lifted red fruits and rounded texture on the palate. Drink from 2022-2034.

Medium-bodied, vibrant, fresh, and floral, with a cedar and tobacco edge to the ripe, lifted red fruits and rounded texture on the palate. Drink from 2022-2034.

2,287 Views   Tasted
The first vintage blended with Michel Rolland shows licorice, stone, fresh dark berries, cigar box and a hint of oak, with a sweet, dark chocolate, round plum character.

The first vintage blended with Michel Rolland shows licorice, stone, fresh dark berries, cigar box and a hint of oak, with a sweet, dark chocolate, round plum character.

5,594 Views   Tasted
From a blend of blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a different style for Figeac. Much of the credit goes to the bringing in Michel Rolland and Valmy Nicolas from Chateau La Conseillante in Pomerol. This is the first vintage where Michel Rolland was involved in the blending. Notes of truffle, earth, coffee bean, licorice and spicy berry notes opened to a silky, round, supple textured, elegant wine, filled with ripe, sweet, plums and black raspberries. 92-94 Pts

From a blend of blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a different style for Figeac. Much of the credit goes to the bringing in Michel Rolland and Valmy Nicolas from Chateau La Conseillante in Pomerol. This is the first vintage where Michel Rolland was involved in the blending. Notes of truffle, earth, coffee bean, licorice and spicy berry notes opened to a silky, round, supple textured, elegant wine, filled with ripe, sweet, plums and black raspberries. 92-94 Pts

4,677 Views   Tasted
2011
92
Showing much better with bottle age than it did in the barrel, the wine expresses tobacco leaf, flowers, and vibrant, crisp red fruits with a leafy, spicy edge. Medium-bodied, with a lifted, energetic finish, this is now entering its prime-time, drinking window. Drink from 2022-2035.

Showing much better with bottle age than it did in the barrel, the wine expresses tobacco leaf, flowers, and vibrant, crisp red fruits with a leafy, spicy edge. Medium-bodied, with a lifted, energetic finish, this is now entering its prime-time, drinking window. Drink from 2022-2035.

2,886 Views   Tasted
With equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the wine reached 13% ABV. Aged in 100% new oak, forest floor, stone, red berry and leafy aromas open to a medium-bodied, tannic, red berry-dominated St. Emilion. There is some dryness in the kirsch finish. 88-90 Pts

With equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, the wine reached 13% ABV. Aged in 100% new oak, forest floor, stone, red berry and leafy aromas open to a medium-bodied, tannic, red berry-dominated St. Emilion. There is some dryness in the kirsch finish. 88-90 Pts

3,101 Views   Tasted
2010
95
Elegant, refined, fresh, and vibrant, the wine opens with roses, cigar wrappers, forest leaves, red plums, and black cherries. Soft, lifted and with a good sense of balance, harmony, length, and purity, the wine has just entered the start of its drinkability period. Drink from 2022-2050.

Elegant, refined, fresh, and vibrant, the wine opens with roses, cigar wrappers, forest leaves, red plums, and black cherries. Soft, lifted and with a good sense of balance, harmony, length, and purity, the wine has just entered the start of its drinkability period. Drink from 2022-2050.

4,161 Views   Tasted
Fresh herbs, dark ripe berries, licorice, cassis and green peppercorn aromas fill the perfume. Full bodied, tannic and slightly austere in character, with intensity, licorice and bright black cherry flavors, this is a successful vintage for the traditionally styled Figeac. 92-94 Pts

Fresh herbs, dark ripe berries, licorice, cassis and green peppercorn aromas fill the perfume. Full bodied, tannic and slightly austere in character, with intensity, licorice and bright black cherry flavors, this is a successful vintage for the traditionally styled Figeac. 92-94 Pts

4,445 Views   Tasted
2009
94
Balancing opulence with balance, lift and complexity, this is drinking beautifully today. Its soaring aromatics serve up mint, sweet red fruits, smoke, spice and flowers. Silky, sensuous and long on the opiate, this is the best vintage of Figeac until the incredible non-stop run beginning with 2015. Drink from 2024-2045.

Balancing opulence with balance, lift and complexity, this is drinking beautifully today. Its soaring aromatics serve up mint, sweet red fruits, smoke, spice and flowers. Silky, sensuous and long on the opiate, this is the best vintage of Figeac until the incredible non-stop run beginning with 2015. Drink from 2024-2045.

2,390 Views   Tasted
This is one of those wines that prove the old adage about patience being a virtue. Over the years this gem has steadily improved, adding weight, sensuality, and complexity. Medium-bodied, with an edge to the nose over the palate, you enjoy a wealth of a myriad of silky, creamy-textured red, and dark red fruits on the palate and in the finish. I like how this is showing today. Drink from 2022-2042.

This is one of those wines that prove the old adage about patience being a virtue. Over the years this gem has steadily improved, adding weight, sensuality, and complexity. Medium-bodied, with an edge to the nose over the palate, you enjoy a wealth of a myriad of silky, creamy-textured red, and dark red fruits on the palate and in the finish. I like how this is showing today. Drink from 2022-2042.

3,307 Views   Tasted
Forward, silky, soft, medium-bodied and already a pleasure to drink, the floral, cherry, thyme, tobacco leaf and wet earthy nuances are already blooming here.

Forward, silky, soft, medium-bodied and already a pleasure to drink, the floral, cherry, thyme, tobacco leaf and wet earthy nuances are already blooming here.

4,470 Views   Tasted
Young, as expected, but clearly a beauty, with its supple, silky, textures, ripe, pure, sweet fruits and aromatic complexities. Hold it for at least another 5-7 years and the wine will just about be hitting its prime time slot.

Young, as expected, but clearly a beauty, with its supple, silky, textures, ripe, pure, sweet fruits and aromatic complexities. Hold it for at least another 5-7 years and the wine will just about be hitting its prime time slot.

5,223 Views   Tasted
The last few years have been good to this wine. It's put on weight, added better, more opulent, rounder textures and gained additional nuances. Lush, silky, refined and character driven, with luck, this will continue moving in the right direction. Still, this is quite young. Another 5-8 more years will add even more to the wine.

The last few years have been good to this wine. It's put on weight, added better, more opulent, rounder textures and gained additional nuances. Lush, silky, refined and character driven, with luck, this will continue moving in the right direction. Still, this is quite young. Another 5-8 more years will add even more to the wine.

5,903 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, fresh, supple and soft in texture, the wine offers fresh black cherry, herbs, minerality and earthy scents. Generous for Figeac, the wine ends with soft, fresh, pure, black raspberry and cherry notes.

Medium bodied, fresh, supple and soft in texture, the wine offers fresh black cherry, herbs, minerality and earthy scents. Generous for Figeac, the wine ends with soft, fresh, pure, black raspberry and cherry notes.

7,596 Views   Tasted
2009 Figeac opens with notes of blackberries, cassis, minerality, and licorice. The wine finishes with dark berries and spice. 90-93 Pts

2009 Figeac opens with notes of blackberries, cassis, minerality, and licorice. The wine finishes with dark berries and spice. 90-93 Pts

5,876 Views   Tasted
2008
89
The nose starts off with truffle, wet earth, leaf, thyme and dried pit fruits. Medium bodied, the tannins are firm, the fruit is bright and earthy. Even though the color shows age and you find secondary aromatics, another 5 years or more in the cellar should help soften the tannins and perhaps add a bit more flesh.

The nose starts off with truffle, wet earth, leaf, thyme and dried pit fruits. Medium bodied, the tannins are firm, the fruit is bright and earthy. Even though the color shows age and you find secondary aromatics, another 5 years or more in the cellar should help soften the tannins and perhaps add a bit more flesh.

4,663 Views   Tasted
2007
87
With a nose of fresh herbs, spice, dried cherries and earth, this medium bodied St. Emilion wine ended with a red fruit dominated, short finish and some drying sensations.

With a nose of fresh herbs, spice, dried cherries and earth, this medium bodied St. Emilion wine ended with a red fruit dominated, short finish and some drying sensations.

3,619 Views   Tasted
2006
90
A firm style of Figeac, with an almost austere leaning due to the preponderance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Better on the nose, with its floral, fresh red berry and earthy leanings, than on the palate. Time could soften the wine, but like many 2006 Right bank wines, it's proobably always going to be a bit stern.

A firm style of Figeac, with an almost austere leaning due to the preponderance of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Better on the nose, with its floral, fresh red berry and earthy leanings, than on the palate. Time could soften the wine, but like many 2006 Right bank wines, it's proobably always going to be a bit stern.

4,813 Views   Tasted
2005
89
Tobacco, with thyme, forest floor, mint and cherries in the nose. The wine is medium bodied, open and delivers a short, finish with some rusticity in the tannins. This style of wine will definitely appeal to tasters seeking out more of a classic style of Bordeaux.

Tobacco, with thyme, forest floor, mint and cherries in the nose. The wine is medium bodied, open and delivers a short, finish with some rusticity in the tannins. This style of wine will definitely appeal to tasters seeking out more of a classic style of Bordeaux.

6,715 Views   Tasted
The traditional, light and austere style made it hard for me to enjoy. I found the wine offering "4 T's." Tight, tannic, tart and traditional. I would have scored the wine much higher if it had been at least a tad tawdry.

The traditional, light and austere style made it hard for me to enjoy. I found the wine offering "4 T's." Tight, tannic, tart and traditional. I would have scored the wine much higher if it had been at least a tad tawdry.

9,914 Views   Tasted
2004
90
I like the nose here with its blend of flowers, tobacco, bright red fruits, cigar box and mint. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, crisp and crunchy with a lot of bite in the finish.

I like the nose here with its blend of flowers, tobacco, bright red fruits, cigar box and mint. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, crisp and crunchy with a lot of bite in the finish.

3,445 Views   Tasted
2001
91
Medium bodied, with a focus on bright red , spice, earth, wet forest scents and a hint of mint. The soft finish is a bit light, but the red cherries are sweet and fresh.

Medium bodied, with a focus on bright red , spice, earth, wet forest scents and a hint of mint. The soft finish is a bit light, but the red cherries are sweet and fresh.

4,117 Views   Tasted
2000
87
Medium bodied and rapidly maturing, the wine is dominated by redd fruits, earth and spice. The bggest drawback is the short, clipped finish.

Medium bodied and rapidly maturing, the wine is dominated by redd fruits, earth and spice. The bggest drawback is the short, clipped finish.

6,515 Views   Tasted
With a red and black fruit, herb and licorice nose was light in the palate. The wine did not taste fully ripe and the tannins were drying in the mouth.

With a red and black fruit, herb and licorice nose was light in the palate. The wine did not taste fully ripe and the tannins were drying in the mouth.

9,491 Views   Tasted
1998
91
Fully developed, medium bodied, silky, elegant and fresh, the wine shows sweet, ripe cherries, tobacco and earthy notes on the nose and palate. The fruit is quite charming, and the wine shows a lot of character, but it could be a little weightier.

Fully developed, medium bodied, silky, elegant and fresh, the wine shows sweet, ripe cherries, tobacco and earthy notes on the nose and palate. The fruit is quite charming, and the wine shows a lot of character, but it could be a little weightier.

4,482 Views   Tasted
1990
93
Fully developed, the wine is lush, soft, and aromatic, with notes of flowers, cigar box, wild cherries, forest leaf, and tobacco. There is vibrancy, sweet red fruits, and a touch of mint on the back end. Drink from 2022-2032.

Fully developed, the wine is lush, soft, and aromatic, with notes of flowers, cigar box, wild cherries, forest leaf, and tobacco. There is vibrancy, sweet red fruits, and a touch of mint on the back end. Drink from 2022-2032.

2,967 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, medium bodied, fresh, with lean to the red fruit side of the style range, the nose is the best part of the wine, with its display of earth, cherries, tobacco, thyme, mint, herbs and spice. Elegant, but more concentrated than light, wiht a soft finish, there is no reason to wait for more development.

Fully mature, medium bodied, fresh, with lean to the red fruit side of the style range, the nose is the best part of the wine, with its display of earth, cherries, tobacco, thyme, mint, herbs and spice. Elegant, but more concentrated than light, wiht a soft finish, there is no reason to wait for more development.

5,741 Views   Tasted
1989
90
Medium bodied, elegant, light in color and perhaps a bit light in fruit, still the wine delivers on the earthy, tobacco, floral, plum and cherry nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant and refined, with the patina of age in the texture, and in the finish. Popped and poured was the right way to go with this one.

Medium bodied, elegant, light in color and perhaps a bit light in fruit, still the wine delivers on the earthy, tobacco, floral, plum and cherry nose. On the palate, the wine is elegant and refined, with the patina of age in the texture, and in the finish. Popped and poured was the right way to go with this one.

5,514 Views   Tasted
1986
90
Clearly, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravels that made this wine possible. Medium bodied, not exactly strict, but it's not going to be called opulent either. Here, you find a straight ahead, classic character with tobacco, cedar, wet earth and red cherries. There is a firm character on the palate and in the finish that is also, refined, and genteel. Fully mature, this requires drinking over the next decade or so

Clearly, it is the Cabernet Sauvignon from the gravels that made this wine possible. Medium bodied, not exactly strict, but it's not going to be called opulent either. Here, you find a straight ahead, classic character with tobacco, cedar, wet earth and red cherries. There is a firm character on the palate and in the finish that is also, refined, and genteel. Fully mature, this requires drinking over the next decade or so

5,200 Views   Tasted
1985
90
Fully mature, medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, refined, soft, and expressing its Cabernet side with loads of mint, forest leaf, and tobacco from start to finish.

Fully mature, medium-bodied, elegant, fresh, refined, soft, and expressing its Cabernet side with loads of mint, forest leaf, and tobacco from start to finish.

3,407 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, the wine offers aromatic complexities, soft, silky textures and sweet, ripe, earthy, fresh cherries. This is not a wine however to hold for further aging, so if you have any of this charmer remaining, drink up sooner than later for maximum enjoyment.

Fully mature, the wine offers aromatic complexities, soft, silky textures and sweet, ripe, earthy, fresh cherries. This is not a wine however to hold for further aging, so if you have any of this charmer remaining, drink up sooner than later for maximum enjoyment.

3,405 Views   Tasted
1983
91
Medium bodied, the wine shows a soft, silky, polished character with the patina of a much older wine with secondary notes of wet earth, tobacco, leaf, stone, and dried red pit fruits. But the color, texture and nuances gave the appearance of seeming to be much older than its age. This is more than fully developed, so if you have a bottle, you should open it sooner than later.

Medium bodied, the wine shows a soft, silky, polished character with the patina of a much older wine with secondary notes of wet earth, tobacco, leaf, stone, and dried red pit fruits. But the color, texture and nuances gave the appearance of seeming to be much older than its age. This is more than fully developed, so if you have a bottle, you should open it sooner than later.

3,729 Views   Tasted
1982
94
The best bottle of this I've ever tasted, the ripe, almost, port like fruits, with its earth, tobacco and cherry accents, elegant, polished textured and long, sweet, fruit filled, silky finish hit all the right spots.

The best bottle of this I've ever tasted, the ripe, almost, port like fruits, with its earth, tobacco and cherry accents, elegant, polished textured and long, sweet, fruit filled, silky finish hit all the right spots.

6,070 Views   Tasted
The perfume expresses notes of earth, leather, spice, wood and mint. In the mouth, this medium bodied wine ends with a short finish filled with red and black fruit.

The perfume expresses notes of earth, leather, spice, wood and mint. In the mouth, this medium bodied wine ends with a short finish filled with red and black fruit.

3,922 Views   Tasted
1979
85
On the leafy, herbal, tobacco, and metallic side of the style range, there are more secondary nuances than fruit here as the wine has dropped its fruits and is fading, finishing with piquant red berries, herbs, pepper, and tobacco leaves. Drink from 2023-2023.

On the leafy, herbal, tobacco, and metallic side of the style range, there are more secondary nuances than fruit here as the wine has dropped its fruits and is fading, finishing with piquant red berries, herbs, pepper, and tobacco leaves. Drink from 2023-2023.

1,556 Views   Tasted
1978
86
With a strong lean to its leafy, tobacco, mint, and cedar side of the style range, the wine is soft, smooth, and easy to drink, but much of the fruit has faded morphing into its leafy, herbal character. Drink up. Drink from 2023-2025.

With a strong lean to its leafy, tobacco, mint, and cedar side of the style range, the wine is soft, smooth, and easy to drink, but much of the fruit has faded morphing into its leafy, herbal character. Drink up. Drink from 2023-2025.

1,588 Views   Tasted
1976
85
Cedar, mint, tobacco, cigar wrapper, spice, dried flowers, and forest leaves with red berries drive the character of this soft-textured, fresh, albeit, short, medium-bodied wine. This is past its prime and if you own any, it needs to be drink up sooner than later. Drink from 2023-2025.

Cedar, mint, tobacco, cigar wrapper, spice, dried flowers, and forest leaves with red berries drive the character of this soft-textured, fresh, albeit, short, medium-bodied wine. This is past its prime and if you own any, it needs to be drink up sooner than later. Drink from 2023-2025.

1,439 Views   Tasted
1975
90
Managing to avoid the pitfalls of the difficult 75 vintage, the medium-bodied wine is one of the more elegant, expressions of the vintage. Roes, red fruits, mint leaf, tobacco, spice, and earth combine perfectly, leaving you with a lifted, earthy, leafy, and red-fruited finish. Drink from 2023-2030.

Managing to avoid the pitfalls of the difficult 75 vintage, the medium-bodied wine is one of the more elegant, expressions of the vintage. Roes, red fruits, mint leaf, tobacco, spice, and earth combine perfectly, leaving you with a lifted, earthy, leafy, and red-fruited finish. Drink from 2023-2030.

1,605 Views   Tasted
1971
94
Elegant, refined, soft, and verging on delicate, the wine offers its sweet, red fruits, truffle, herbs, spice, flowers, and wet earth core with ease. There is ample fruit, with a beautiful texture to please any palate. Drink from 2023-2033.

Elegant, refined, soft, and verging on delicate, the wine offers its sweet, red fruits, truffle, herbs, spice, flowers, and wet earth core with ease. There is ample fruit, with a beautiful texture to please any palate. Drink from 2023-2033.

1,319 Views   Tasted
1970
90
Medium-bodied, soft, silky, elegant, but not very deep, this is just now starting to fade. So, if you own a bottle, and you want to experience all of its sweet, red pit fruits, dried flowers, tobacco, herbs, and forest leaf, open your bottle sooner than later. Driink 2022-2025.

Medium-bodied, soft, silky, elegant, but not very deep, this is just now starting to fade. So, if you own a bottle, and you want to experience all of its sweet, red pit fruits, dried flowers, tobacco, herbs, and forest leaf, open your bottle sooner than later. Driink 2022-2025.

3,015 Views   Tasted
Just a bit past its prime, still, there is plenty to like about this aging, graceful beauty. Medium bodied, refined, soft, silky, and with perfume that catches you with its tobacco, wet earth, spice, herbs, thyme and red berry profile. This is not a wine to hold for future development, but it's a nice treat, should you have a bottle in your cellar.

Just a bit past its prime, still, there is plenty to like about this aging, graceful beauty. Medium bodied, refined, soft, silky, and with perfume that catches you with its tobacco, wet earth, spice, herbs, thyme and red berry profile. This is not a wine to hold for future development, but it's a nice treat, should you have a bottle in your cellar.

3,282 Views   Tasted
1967
75
On the other side of fading, with much of the fruit gone. Better on the nose, with its mint, tobacco leaf, spice, cigar box, and bright red fruits than on the crisp, rustic, and overly acidic palate, drink up if you have any, as it is only going to get worse from here. Drink from 2022-2022.

On the other side of fading, with much of the fruit gone. Better on the nose, with its mint, tobacco leaf, spice, cigar box, and bright red fruits than on the crisp, rustic, and overly acidic palate, drink up if you have any, as it is only going to get worse from here. Drink from 2022-2022.

1,867 Views   Tasted
1966
91
Medium-bodied, fully mature with a lean to its secondary side with a plethora of tobacco, forest floor, mint, cigar box, spice, dried flowers, and earthy, bright, red fruits on the nose and on its elegant, fresh palate. If you are sitting on a bottle, it is time to drink up.

Medium-bodied, fully mature with a lean to its secondary side with a plethora of tobacco, forest floor, mint, cigar box, spice, dried flowers, and earthy, bright, red fruits on the nose and on its elegant, fresh palate. If you are sitting on a bottle, it is time to drink up.

2,186 Views   Tasted
Fully mature, the tobacco, cigar box and cedar notes really showed the ripe Cabernet fruits. Earthy, medium bodied, soft and silky, with a red berry core of spicy fruit, there is no reason to age this wine any longer.

Fully mature, the tobacco, cigar box and cedar notes really showed the ripe Cabernet fruits. Earthy, medium bodied, soft and silky, with a red berry core of spicy fruit, there is no reason to age this wine any longer.

4,831 Views   Tasted
1964
92
Starting to fade, but if the bottle has been well-stored, there is still enough gas in the tank so you can enjoy the earthy, spicy, leafy, tobacco and red plum nose. Medium-bodied, the wine starts off reserved, but with time in the glass, the wine softens, revealing a gentle, but stoic character, finishing with bright red fruits, spice, earth, herbs and sweet plums. There is no reason to hold this any longer.

Starting to fade, but if the bottle has been well-stored, there is still enough gas in the tank so you can enjoy the earthy, spicy, leafy, tobacco and red plum nose. Medium-bodied, the wine starts off reserved, but with time in the glass, the wine softens, revealing a gentle, but stoic character, finishing with bright red fruits, spice, earth, herbs and sweet plums. There is no reason to hold this any longer.

3,475 Views   Tasted
Two bottles were opened from an identical, original wood case. The fills were quite good for a wine of this age. The end results were the same for both bottles. While I realize it is about the specific bottle, and not wine with older vintages, especially after 50 years of age, the results were troubling. The wines were the color of dark tea, with some red, brick accents. The nose showed little fruit and the palate was not much better, leaving you with a short, not exactly satisfying finish. Other bottles could be better. But I'd approach buying this with extreme caution as the hands of time have not been very graceful here.

Two bottles were opened from an identical, original wood case. The fills were quite good for a wine of this age. The end results were the same for both bottles. While I realize it is about the specific bottle, and not wine with older vintages, especially after 50 years of age, the results were troubling. The wines were the color of dark tea, with some red, brick accents. The nose showed little fruit and the palate was not much better, leaving you with a short, not exactly satisfying finish. Other bottles could be better. But I'd approach buying this with extreme caution as the hands of time have not been very graceful here.

4,684 Views   Tasted
1961
95
Floral, with notes of forest herbs, cigar box, tobacco leaf, mint and red fruits, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant and spicy, with a kirsch and red plum edged finish. This was simply beautiful from start to finish. This is much better than a recorded bottle I tasted earlier this year. You know what they say, there are no great wine older wines, just great older bottles.

Floral, with notes of forest herbs, cigar box, tobacco leaf, mint and red fruits, the wine is medium-bodied, soft, vibrant and spicy, with a kirsch and red plum edged finish. This was simply beautiful from start to finish. This is much better than a recorded bottle I tasted earlier this year. You know what they say, there are no great wine older wines, just great older bottles.

2,495 Views   Tasted
1959
96
The best bottle of this I have ever tasted resonated with its mint and floral charm. Pure silk on the palate made the perfect backdrop for its wealth of cherries, plums, and truffles that gracefully crossed and filled your palate. What a treat! Drink from 2023-2040.

The best bottle of this I have ever tasted resonated with its mint and floral charm. Pure silk on the palate made the perfect backdrop for its wealth of cherries, plums, and truffles that gracefully crossed and filled your palate. What a treat! Drink from 2023-2040.

1,449 Views   Tasted
Elegant, refined, supple and silky, the patina of age comes with floral scents, tobacco, cigar box, cherry pipe tobacco, truffle and coffee notes. As good as the nose is, the sensual nature of the wine on the palate is even better!

Elegant, refined, supple and silky, the patina of age comes with floral scents, tobacco, cigar box, cherry pipe tobacco, truffle and coffee notes. As good as the nose is, the sensual nature of the wine on the palate is even better!

3,417 Views   Tasted
Surprisingly youthful, served double blind, I thought it was 20 years younger. With the silky patina that can only come from age, the wine continues offering earthy red berries, tobacco, herbs and a hint of citrus. What a nice, unexpected treat!

Surprisingly youthful, served double blind, I thought it was 20 years younger. With the silky patina that can only come from age, the wine continues offering earthy red berries, tobacco, herbs and a hint of citrus. What a nice, unexpected treat!

3,601 Views   Tasted
1955
96
Just a stunning tasting experience in every sense of the word. The wine is loaded with an intoxicating perfume of tobacco, cigar box, ash, wet earth, peppery spice and fresh, red fruits. Still vibrant, sweet, pure and refined, this is just a stunner and a privilege to taste.

Just a stunning tasting experience in every sense of the word. The wine is loaded with an intoxicating perfume of tobacco, cigar box, ash, wet earth, peppery spice and fresh, red fruits. Still vibrant, sweet, pure and refined, this is just a stunner and a privilege to taste.

2,886 Views   Tasted
1949
100
I'd be surprised if this was not my wine of the year. This was majestic and a tasting experience that is hard to believe. From an imperial, opened at the chateau, heartstopping, is the best word to describe it. Layer after layer of perfectly ripe, silky, textured, viscous, elegant cherries and plums topped with flowers, Cuban cigar wrappers, smoke, truffle and kirsch. The finish stuck with you for 60 seconds, or more. The memory lasts a lifetime. This was just a mind-boggling tasting experience.

I'd be surprised if this was not my wine of the year. This was majestic and a tasting experience that is hard to believe. From an imperial, opened at the chateau, heartstopping, is the best word to describe it. Layer after layer of perfectly ripe, silky, textured, viscous, elegant cherries and plums topped with flowers, Cuban cigar wrappers, smoke, truffle and kirsch. The finish stuck with you for 60 seconds, or more. The memory lasts a lifetime. This was just a mind-boggling tasting experience.

3,144 Views   Tasted
1946
94
From a large format bottle served at the property, this wine was simply fabulous. The layers of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and red plums topped with mint, tobacco, spice, smoke, and tobacco leaf hit it right on the nose. Soft, vibrant, crisp, and elegant, with loads of red fruits and cigar notes on the palate and in the finish. This is the best 1946 I have or ever will taste. Good luck finding any. Drink from 2023-2023.

From a large format bottle served at the property, this wine was simply fabulous. The layers of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and red plums topped with mint, tobacco, spice, smoke, and tobacco leaf hit it right on the nose. Soft, vibrant, crisp, and elegant, with loads of red fruits and cigar notes on the palate and in the finish. This is the best 1946 I have or ever will taste. Good luck finding any. Drink from 2023-2023.

1,316 Views   Tasted
1941
87
Much more interesting on the nose, with its herb, leaf, tobacco, cigar box, smoke, tomato and red berry character. Medium-bodied, with a bite of spicy, crisp red berries, chewing tobacco and herbs on the palate. It is always a nice touch of history tasting war years wines.

Much more interesting on the nose, with its herb, leaf, tobacco, cigar box, smoke, tomato and red berry character. Medium-bodied, with a bite of spicy, crisp red berries, chewing tobacco and herbs on the palate. It is always a nice touch of history tasting war years wines.

2,194 Views   Tasted
1929
75
Now, here is a wine I never thought I'd taste. Sadly, at least with this bottle, the cold hands of time has added its ugly mark. The nose was marred by VA that overpowered the light, floral, tobacco and cherry charms. Silky on the palate, the wine is medium bodied, showing a touch of red fruit, but more notes of Sherry and hints of Balsamic. I bet this was a beauty earlier in life. Still, tasting a wine from the great depression, when Babe Ruth hit 46 Home Runs, the DOW was at 381 and Prohibition was the law of the land, made it a very special treat.

Now, here is a wine I never thought I'd taste. Sadly, at least with this bottle, the cold hands of time has added its ugly mark. The nose was marred by VA that overpowered the light, floral, tobacco and cherry charms. Silky on the palate, the wine is medium bodied, showing a touch of red fruit, but more notes of Sherry and hints of Balsamic. I bet this was a beauty earlier in life. Still, tasting a wine from the great depression, when Babe Ruth hit 46 Home Runs, the DOW was at 381 and Prohibition was the law of the land, made it a very special treat.

1,773 Views   Tasted