2010 Château Figeac, St Emilion, Bordeaux

Tasted at the Chteau Figeac vertical at the property and then in Bordeaux a year later. The 2010 Figeac was a problem child in its youth, very variable and difficult to pin down, vexing on occasion. Now with a couple of years in bottle, it is really beginning to show what it can do and it far surpassed my expectations. Certainly, it is more withdrawn on the nose compared to the more generous 2009 Figeac. The aromatics are holding everything back. Then, with continued aeration it reveals a subtle marine influenceseaweed and sea spray scents, estuary mudflats. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate depth, but what really distinguishes this wine are the fineness of the tannin, the symmetry of the structure and freshness on the finish, facets hitherto kept secret. As such, it surpasses the 2009, the weightless but intense finish beckoning you to take another sip. The aromatics need to up their game and match what's evolving on the palateif they do, this will be a very serious Figeac. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - 31/08/2016 Read more

High-toned minerality on the nose. Lots of appetising sap and savour. Loose and round and easy peasy. Attractive in that it’s not overdone; possibly a chance missed in that it’s just slightly slack. Or possibly it’s Figeac..! Ah. That last phrase was written when I tasted this blind and it's true that this potentially great wine rarely shows well en primeur. Hence the hopeful double plus after the score. Though its gravel soils will not have done the wine any favours in this exceptionally dry vintage.
(Jancis Robinson MW- jancis robinson.com April 2011) Read more

Exotic fig, boysenberry and blueberry preserves are married to polished tobacco and spice notes in this dense red, which has lots in reserve but is very sleek through the finish for now. It feels as if this will fill out considerably with more élevage.
(James Molesworth – The Wine Spectator – Top Scoring Bordeaux 2010 – 31 Mar 2011) Read more

This is a Figeac wine with plenty of substance but still elegant and fresh in style. Dense, lively, expressive fruit. Firm but fine tannins. Great length. Read more

As it was in 2009, this is one of the top reds on the Right Bank. I only hope the price is a little more sensible, after last year’s miscalculation. The Cabernet Sauvignon at the core of the wine is what makes it so special, giving it rigour and structure for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc to adorn. On second tasting, the wine was even better:
fine, grassy, yet concentrated.
(Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com, May 2011)
 

 

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