Winemaker and Vineyard: Château-Figeac owes its unique character to the combination of three mounds of günzian gravels with clayey subsoils, several microclimates, and a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. This original blend, dominated by 2/3 of cabernets, gives the wine both structure, finesse, freshness, and suavity. Since the beginning of this century, Château-Figeac wine has become available in its early years with a more caressing touch of the mouth without losing its incomparable verticality over the years. Its longevity over several decades is exceptional, with an inimitable and complex bouquet that unfolds over time.

Tasting: The 2018 Figeac is composed of 37% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Cabernet Franc, with a 3.7 pH and 14% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it soars out of the glass with opening notes of freshly crushed red and black cherries, mulberries and ripe, juicy plums, followed by hints of violets, damp soil, cedar chest, crushed rocks and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied, elegantly styled palate features bags of freshness and exquisitely ripe, beautifully poised tannins to support the bright, energetic black and red fruit layers, finishing on a lingering fragrant earth note. This is absolutely recognizable as being cut from the same cloth as old-school Figeac, but all the recent vineyard and winemaking improvements have unveiled the beautifully ripe, intense, nuanced potential here. Bravo to managing director/winemaker Frédéric Faye and his team! Although there is a lot to love about this wine right now, give it 5-6 years for the oak to fully integrate and the underlying perfume suggestions to emerge, then enjoy over the next 20-25 years or more. robertparker.com (22.04.2021)

Service: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany beef bourguignon