Château Figeac Saint-Emilion 2023 - 1er Grand Cru Classé A

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 driving force behind the estate for more than 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.

With its predominance of Cabernet varieties, Figeac remains a unique cru within the Saint-Émilion region. In this fresh vintage, it is once again a great success and one of the very finest wines of the year. Its intense black fruit, along with notes of violet, graphite, and menthol, create a complex bouquet of rare elegance. The palate is exceptionally refined, supported by deliciously velvety tannins of remarkable finesse and sustained energy. Vibrant. 2032–2046

The 2023 Figeac has revealed itself magnificently, unfolding in the glass a complex bouquet of blackberry and blackcurrant, intermingled with notes of crushed mint, pencil shavings, and violet. Medium- to full-bodied, supple, and smooth, it is layered and full-flavored, with a deep, perfectly integrated core of fruit, enlivened by a savory acidity that largely masks its highly refined, structuring tannins. Made from a blend of 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has an alcohol content of 13.5%, confirming the wisdom of a relatively late harvest for the Cabernet Sauvignon. 2030–2060.

 

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 proves) and only fully reveals itself after ten to fifteen years of aging. The completion of the new winery 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. Partially 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 estate. The château thus reaffirms the scope of its “modern” classicism, its unpretentious integrity, and its standing: that of the rare elite. 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 clays; and the excellence of the new winery have earned the Manoncourt family estate a fourth star.

Figeac 2023 is simply exceptional. Deep in color, complex, and explosive in the glass, this 2023 vintage displays breathtaking intensity and pure power. Notes of lavender, crème de cassis, sage, menthol, spices, and pipe tobacco waft from the glass. Lively acidity and vibrant saline notes frame the finish. All the elements are woven together with absolute mastery; nothing is excessive or out of place. Figeac clearly stands out as one of the vintage’s flagship wines, and this 2023 ranks among the greatest wines ever produced here. The Merlot grapes were harvested starting on September 6, while the Cabernet grapes were harvested between September 26 and October 5—a very late harvest. General Manager Frédéric Faye and his team have crafted an extraordinary wine. Tasted twice. 2033–2073.

What depth, sensitivity, and attention to detail and freshness are evident in the bouquet of the 2023 Figeac. Nuances of black berries blend with ripe herbal notes (eucalyptus, roasted peppers), followed by aromas of red berries and licorice. An olfactory medley that evolves into a Cartesian balance. On the palate, the wine stands out for the elegance with which it displays its power through tannins that emerge right at the very end of the finish and form a solid, unfailing foundation. Harmony is at its peak. It brings together all the elements to celebrate the brilliant unity that is Figeac. As for me, this is certainly one of the very great 2023 vintages! 2029–2063

The nose stands out for its floral character, enhanced by hints of cigar leaf, mint, forest floor, and spices, all blended with red and black fruits. The palate is even more delightful. Medium-bodied, elegant, vibrant, smooth, and fresh, the wine offers a hint of spice accompanying waves of red and black fruits of great purity, exuding a sensation of absolute clarity. No harshness disrupts the overall harmony; it is the very embodiment of elegance. For history buffs, this is the 130th vintage produced under the ownership of the Manoncourt family. Best enjoyed between 2029 and 2060.