Château Figeac 2009 -1er Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Vibrant, with a distinctive aroma of red berries intertwined with complex notes of sandalwood and saffron. Rich and full-bodied, with a true finesse that is currently expressed with restraint in a wine that has not yet fully realized its potential.

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, composed of Günzian gravel, the same type found in the Grand Crus Classés of the Left Bank. As a result, this Premier Cru Classé ages beautifully over time. Thierry Manoncourt, the soul of 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.

Decanter

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

The 2009 Figeac, with its medium garnet color, offers a lovely bouquet of rosehip tea, lilac, and cinnamon stick, with a core of blackcurrant jam and hints of dried herbs. Medium-bodied to full-bodied, the palate delivers delicious layers of fruit with plenty of floral sparkle, framed by rounded tannins, finishing with an earthy note.

About the estate:

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

About the wine:

Even among the outstanding vintages of 2009, it remains the most complete and harmonious of the “first growths” presented at the tasting. We find it bears many similarities to the 1989 vintage, which we tasted in the early 1990s. It displays the energy and balance characteristic of grapes grown on the finest terroirs. (Magazine - Sept. 2011)

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 elegance and refinement found in the wines of the western plateau that 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. Wines of exceptional character, easy to drink and long-lasting. Figeac shines in warm vintages (as the 2005 proves) 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 extreme functionality of the facilities. Semi-underground and situated near the château with which it shares the elegance of a grand cru, this new facility—which fits 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 first-rate estates. Its history rooted in the legend of Saint-Emilion; the preserved trees of 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:

A ripe vintage like 2009 is ideal for Château Figeac’s Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is fragrant with notes of new oak and sweet fruit, featuring delicious blackcurrant flavors that convey both ripeness and freshness. The wine has impressive body and density. A standout of the vintage.

James Suckling

About the wine:

Even in this very ripe vintage, Figeac retains its characteristic aroma of red bell pepper (from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape), which adds a subtle touch to its opulent character of fruitcake and spices. The fine, full-bodied tannins beautifully support the rich palate and make for a very long, velvety finish. A great 2009! Drink now or age. (Horizontal tasting, London, 2019)