2010 Château Figeac, St Emilion, Bordeaux
Critics reviews
Neal Martin - 31/08/2016
(Jancis Robinson MW- jancis robinson.com April 2011)
(James Molesworth – The Wine Spectator – Top Scoring Bordeaux 2010 – 31 Mar 2011)
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)
About this WINE
Château Figeac
Château Figeac is one of the leading St. Emilion estates and its wine, with its high Cabernet content, has often been described as the most Médoc-like in St-Emilion. The estate is located in the north-west of the appellation with its vineyards adjoining those of Cheval Blanc. Its 54 hectares of vineyards lie on a deep, Médoc-like gravel topsoil over a flinty, iron-rich subsoil. Figeac was promoted in 2022 to the level of Premier Grand Cru Classé A, the top tier of the St Emilion classification.
Best of BBX: Mature Bordeaux
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Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Cabernet Sauvignon lends itself particularly well in blends with Merlot. This is actually the archetypal Bordeaux blend, though in different proportions in the sub-regions and sometimes topped up with Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
In the Médoc and Graves the percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend can range from 95% (Mouton-Rothschild) to as low as 40%. It is particularly suited to the dry, warm, free- draining, gravel-rich soils and is responsible for the redolent cassis characteristics as well as the depth of colour, tannic structure and pronounced acidity of Médoc wines. However 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wines can be slightly hollow-tasting in the middle palate and Merlot with its generous, fleshy fruit flavours acts as a perfect foil by filling in this cavity.
In St-Emilion and Pomerol, the blends are Merlot dominated as Cabernet Sauvignon can struggle to ripen there - when it is included, it adds structure and body to the wine. Sassicaia is the most famous Bordeaux blend in Italy and has spawned many imitations, whereby the blend is now firmly established in the New World and particularly in California and Australia.
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Description
Following on from last year’s marvel, Figeac has done it again. A huge, brooding beast below the surface, it is almost impenetrable with a dark red/black colour and a viscosity to match. Having said that, this does not take anything away from the wine, it is incredible! Super-fine tannins, a sweet, silky, velvet-like mouthfeel, this has amazing complexity and a vibrancy that takes your breath away. It might even be better than 2009, if that’s possible. This should be a Right Bank First Growth. Brilliant.
(Simon Staples, BBR Fine Wine Director)
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