Chateau Figeac 2009

Château Figeac, 1er Grand Cru Classe "B", Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, 2009

Grapes: A blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc and 30% Merlot, 41ha vineyard on gravel outcrops with clay subsoil, 35 year old average vine age, 40hl/ha yield, hand picked, aged 15-18 months in 100% new oak barrels, 

Producer Tasting Note:

First to be appreciated is the colour, with deep shades of crimson that recall Tyrian purple. On the nose, the wildly appealing Merlot notes of its youth give way to striking depth that is balm to the soul of all Cabernet lovers. Its aromas reflect the lightness of the soil, expressed in a highly subtle, ethereal bouquet in which notes of peony, infused fruit and graphite demonstrate bright vitality. The two-thirds of Cabernet in the blend quite literally sculpt the body, strengthening the grip from the mid-palate and rolling out a long, taut and vibrant backbone with very pure mineral notes on the finish. The whole is perfectly enfolded in lush, satin tannins in the style of the highest of high fashion. With time, the wine develops flavours of tobacco-leaf with hints of black truffle, while retaining incomparable freshness of fruit.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Really fabulous on the nose, with sweet milk chocolate, flowers, currant and plum. Full-bodied, with incredible length. The tannins are so silky, but they are warm and cuddly. You just want to hug it. Powerful but so attractive. The blend is one third each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon" Drink 2018 - 2040,

97/100 points, James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, April 2010

"Rich vanilla nose, full-bodied, great intensity, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 35% cabernet franc and 30% merlot – very attractive" - William Frazier, 2012 tasting.

"The medium garnet colored 2009 Figeac features a very pretty perfume of rose hip tea, lilacs and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currant preserves plus hints of dried herbs and sweaty saddles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of savory fruit layers with plenty of floral sparks, framed by rounded tannins, finishing on a earthy note." Drink 2020-2040

94/100 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, WINE ADVOCATE, March 2019 

"The depths of this wine are evident from the first moment on the nose. Heads straight towards liqourice, chocolate, cassis, with slate-strewn tannins that continue to hold everything in place at 13 years old. Things soften as it opens, heading towards cigar box, raspberry leaf, smoked earth. A lovely Figeac with balance and poise that I have enjoyed from the first moment of tasting En Primeur. Harvest stretching for almost one month from September 22 to October 19, 40hl/h yield. 100% new oak or ageing."

97/100 points, Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, March 2022