Petit-Figeac 2013 - Second Vin du Château Figeac

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

With 35% Cabernet Franc and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, Figeac—located on the gravelly plateau bordering Pomerol—is often described as the most Médoc-like of the Saint-Émilions. The wine’s uniqueness stems from its central terroir, which consists of Günzian gravel—the same type found in the Grand Cru Classés of the Left Bank. As a result, this Premier Cru Classé ages beautifully over time. Thierry Manoncourt, the driving force behind the estate for over sixty years, gave it a much-needed boost. Since 2013, Marie-France Manoncourt, Thierry’s widow, has formed a new management team with her daughters. Under the capable leadership of director Frédéric Faye, the estate has reached the pinnacle of the Right Bank.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Figeac's second wine, which is more classic in style, appears to be less influenced by Cabernet Sauvignon (40% Merlot) and barrel aging. It has fairly substantial body for the vintage and needs time for its tannins to round out.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Based on an atypical blend—with equal parts Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot—Figeac’s unique and distinctive style embodies the quintessence of the elegance and refinement found in the wines of the western plateau, a characteristic Saint-Émilion shares with Pomerol. Figeac possesses a character all its own, often more austere and compact than that of its neighbors in its youth. These are wines of exceptional class, easy to drink, and with great length. Figeac shines in warm vintages (as the 2005 demonstrates) and only fully reveals itself after ten to fifteen years of aging. The construction of the new cellar, completed in time for the 2020 harvest, has allowed for even greater attention to detail regarding the plots—even down to the intra-plot level—and delights Frédéric Faye with the facilities’ extreme functionality. Semi-underground and situated near the château with which it shares the elegance of a grand cru, this new facility—which blends majestically yet unostentatiously into the site—breathes new life into the location. The château thus reaffirms the scope of its “modern” classicism, its unpretentious integrity, and its standing: that of the rare, elite few. Its history, rooted in the legend of Saint-Emilion; the preserved trees in the park, creating a perfect ecosystem; the power of its terroir, with its unique topography and exceptionally high-quality clay soils; and the excellence of the new winery have earned the Manoncourt family estate a fourth star.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

This wine has a fruity, juicy character that comes from its Cabernet-dominated blend. With just a hint of oak, like a true Bordeaux second wine, it already displays an intensely fruity aroma. With fresh acidity and a lively style, this wine is ready to drink.

James Suckling