Château Figeac Saint-Emilion 2018 - 1er Grand Cru Classé B

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

This wine is the epitome of refinement in every aspect, offering even more aromatic freshness than the legendary 2016 vintage and a purity in its finish thanks to sublime Cabernets.

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

About the wine:

It still exudes the freshness and exuberance it had as a young wine, with aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, and crushed strawberry, as well as a delicate floral note. The new oak is perfectly integrated while adding a subtle smoky note. The attack is surprisingly creamy, heralding a full-bodied texture that envelops perfectly polished tannins, combined with finely balanced acidity; together, these elements give momentum to an intense yet light finish imbued with freshness. This is a truly remarkable wine that will certainly develop an even more velvety palate in the years to come. Bravo. 2025–2050

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

Figeac is unique in its blend, driven by exceptional Cabernets. It is also unique in its personality and structure, always guaranteed legendary aging potential. In 2018, the wine lives up to its reputation, charming from the very first whiff with notes of black fruit, sweet spices, and violets, accented by a hint of licorice. The energetic, very fresh attack immediately establishes the wine’s intense character; the structure unfolds perfectly, with absolute class and ease, supported by accomplished, highly refined tannins. Complete and complex, measured in its power and showcasing exemplary aging, Figeac remains an absolute masterpiece. 2025–2040

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 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:

With its rich core of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers density and immense structure, balanced by stunning black fruit that hints at an impressive future. This powerful wine is likely the greatest ever produced by this estate. Best enjoyed starting in 2027.

James Suckling

Le Figaro vins

About the wine:

An invitation to a journey, with a sumptuous nose of vibrant fruit, ranging from reds to blacks with hints of blue. Notes of blackcurrant, elderberry, and redcurrant give way to soft, heady floral aromas. On the palate, pure magic, beginning with breathtaking delicacy and ending with a beautifully restrained power. The first in a trio of Figeacs at the pinnacle of this beautiful terroir, the 2018 possesses the sensuality of luxurious black lace, encasing its slender, sumptuous, and chiseled body. Voluptuous black fruit, with incredible freshness, gracefully gives way to swirls of exotic spices and mineral accents, for a captivating finish.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

A superb, vibrant bouquet of complexity with many facets. It reveals floral and spicy nuances with aromas of violets and black pepper, followed by fruity notes such as blueberries, raspberries, and cherries, all imbued with great freshness. A beautiful tannic structure on the palate, where the wine stands out for the finesse of its tannins and the elegance of its structure. Such freshness, vigor, and energy. One might speak of a delicacy—or even a refined delicacy—in harmony with the tannic power. The juicy touch becomes a saving grace; combined with the liveliness of the acidity and the powerful yet polished tannins (they are well-aged!), resulting in an exceptional harmony and an endless fruity finish, where notes of cherries support and highlight the aromatic finesse. This is a truly great Figeac. 2026–2058

Vert de Vin

About the wine:

The nose is refined and elegant, offering lovely definition, complexity, precision, pure fruit, concentration (with finesse), and a delicate texture, all combined with elegance and complexity. It features notes of vibrant blackberry, small blue berries, and hints of graphite and vibrant blackcurrant, combined with subtle hints of ripe black plum, toast, nutmeg, as well as a discreet touch of flowers, pepper, and an imperceptible hint of camphor. The palate is fruity, fresh, balanced, and smooth, offering lovely definition, purity of fruit, depth, elegance, richness, power, a lovely touch, a certain integrity (with finesse), and a keen attention to detail. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of juicy, fresh, ripe blackcurrant, blueberry, and, more subtly, vibrant, fresh dark berries combined with hints of red berries (cherry, raspberry), as well as subtle hints of toast, chocolate, vibrant redcurrant, graphite, caramelization, toasted hazelnut, and discreet notes of vanilla, blueberry, lily, refined minerality, and very subtle hints of sweet blond tobacco and mild spices. The tannins are well-defined, elegant, very finely firm, and refined. Beautiful persistence and length. A subtle chewiness and a hint of crushed almond on the finish.