Château FIGEAC 2023

Description

Yves Beck 98-100 points www.yvesbeck.wine

41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon

Figeac brille de sa fraîcheur et de ses notes fruitées, tandis que l’élevage apparaît en coulisse. Très belle corrélation entre des nuances de menthe, d’eucalyptus et de baies rouges et noires complétées par des notes florales. En bouche, le vin a de la largeur, dès l’attaque. Le cheminement est linéaire, précis. Beaucoup de tempérament, de tension, de puissance, mais toujours dans une logique d’harmonie. Les tannins, veloutés, sont parfaitement en phase avec le côté incisif de la structure acide. Le vin se déroule avec pertinence, sérénité, vivacité et finesse. Un vin très complet, abouti, à la finale persistante.  2027-2060

William Kelley 96-98 points www.erobertparker.com
A brilliant classic in the making, the 2023 Figeac unwinds in the glass with aromas of cassis and mulberry mingled with notions of iris, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, burning embers and spices. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, it’s deep and concentrated, with an enveloping core of fruit that’s framed by powdery tannins and lively acids, concluding with a broad, atypically mineral finish. It’s a blend of 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon that attained 13.5% alcohol.

Antonio Galloni 95-98 www.vinous.com
The 2023 Figeac is gorgeous. Seamless and vibrant, with captivating elegance, this is an absolute beauty. What I admire most is its exceptional balance. Everything is in the right place. Time in the glass brings out hints of gravel, dried herbs, licorice, tobacco and cedar that add dimension. Although it is early, Figeac is shaping up to be one of the wines of the vintage.

Georgina Hindle 98 points  www.decanter.com 
High-toned aromatics, purple fruit, blackcurrant, wet stones and minerality on the nose, really quite scented and alive, floral, purple flowers, and ripe black fruit with freshness too. Supple and succulent, a good plushness here, not chalky or chewy but ripe and cool at the same time. Hints of dark chocolate, liquorice, blueberry and wet stone also gives the mineral accents. Silky but this wine has an amazing texture. Cool and classic, but there’s clear ripeness too. Almost thick, but refined. High acidity, great lift and zing – tannins are present and apparent, gently expanding around the mouth. It’s more serious than usual, a touch more firm with tension but equally it’s structured with a long, mouthwatering finish. This will be lovely! 3.68pH.

Neal Martin 96-98 www.vinous.com
The 2023 Figeac was cropped at 45hL/ha from September 6 until October 5, one of the longest harvest periods ever. It matured in 100% new oak, as usual. My samples included the 5% vin de presse. This has a very perfumed bouquet: red fruit rather than black, iris flower rather than violet, light sous-bois and tobacco scents deriving from the Cabernets. The palate is medium-bodied, and the Cabernets really « sing » on the entry. Black fruit mixes with graphite and light tobacco notes, surging with fresh acidity and real brightness, or what the French call éclat. There’s gentle grip here—classic Figeac from start to finish, with a subtle marine influence toward the close. This will be a wonderful Saint-Émilion that ranks amongst the best wines of the vintage. Chapeau!

Jean-Marc Quarin 96 points www.quarin.com
Couleur sombre, intense et vive. Nez très aromatique, fin, pur, fruité et subtil. Plus proche d’un Médoc que d’un Saint-Emilion. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, très aromatique au milieu, avec comme attendu deux éléments le qualifiant : une suavité propre à ce cru et rarement vue ailleurs ; une allure ascendante qui révèle lentement toute son expression en finale. Un vin différent, subtil et noble. Très belle longueur. Assemblage rare : 41 % merlot, 32 % cabernet franc, 27 % cabernet sauvignon. Degré d’alcool : 13°5 – pH : 3,68. Rendement : 45 hl/ha. 5 % de vin de presse. Sélection : 67 % de premier vin.