LeDomduVin: Château Figeac Saint-Emilion 2016

Château Figeac Saint-Emilion 2016

There is something sentimental between Chateau Figeac and me.

It was one of the first chateaux on the right bank that I visited as a future sommelier while studying at the hospitality, catering, and tourism school in Talence (Mention Complémentaire de Sommellerie au Lycée Polyvalent d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme de Gascogne) back in 1997.

Comte Eric d’Aramon, who directed Chateau Figeac from 1988 to 2013, was the godfather of our graduating class.

As a result, we had the privilege of visiting the Chateau and its cellar and tasting some of the wines. We even received a bottle during graduation to celebrate earning our diplomas as certified Sommeliers.

It was a memorable experience that left me with a timeless bond with this estate.

Since 1892, Château Figeac has belonged to the Manoncourt family and is an iconic historical estate in Saint-Émilion.

It is renowned for its exceptional wines and distinctive terroir, which sets it apart from other wines in the region.

Its terroir is characterized by gravelly soils better suited to the Cabernets (Sauvignon and Franc).

This is atypical for Saint-Émilion, where most vines are planted in deep limestone soil topped with a fine layer of clay and limestone, an ideal ground for cultivating Merlot (and Cabernet Franc).

This explains why the vineyard is planted with roughly 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Cabernet Franc, and only 30% Merlot, compared to other Saint-Emilion estates where Merlot is more predominant.

Although located on the right bank of Bordeaux, this terroir particularity gives the wines of Figeac a certain resemblance to those of the Médoc and Graves while retaining the unique and distinctive Figeac style.

Château Figeac's wines are often described as aristocratic, sophisticated, complex, and intricate. They usually have a robust structure with firm tannins and earthy tones harmonized with nuanced elegance and freshness.

While still recognizable, Figeac’s style has improved under Managing Director and winemaker Frederic Faye, who took over from Comte Eric d’Aramon in 2013 after serving as the estate's Technical Director for about a decade.

Changes in techniques and modern practices in the vineyard and cellar, along with the inauguration of a brand-new cellar in 2021, have resulted in riper, cleaner, more polished, and more vibrant wines.

The aging process in 100% new oak barrels also significantly enhances their complex aromatic profile.

Chateau Figeac Saint-Emilion 2016

Chateau Figeac 2016 is absolutely succulent! It is the perfect result of all the efforts and changes made to this estate since 2013. I opened two bottles a week apart and was speechless at how good the wine was each time. Just by removing the cork, beautiful aromas immediately fill the air of the room—a sign of great wine!

This wine is a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Franc. In the glass, it exhibits a lovely deep ruby color. On the nose, it is attractive and exuberant, offering ripe yet fresh and refined aromas of dark fruits and berries, crème de cassis, blueberries, and dark cherries, along with floral and earthy notes mingling with truffle, licorice, and dark chocolate. The palate is gorgeous and inviting from the first sip. Medium to full-bodied, it gently expands with great balance, freshness, and a suave, silky texture while remaining focused and sharp, featuring an elegant and integrated structure. Like a ballerina, it displays finesse, elegance, purity, sophistication, strength, density, and intensity while maintaining lightness and agility. The earthy and mineral finish is both endless and seamless, with present yet very integrated tannins. This is a must-have for your personal cellar!

I was really impressed both times I opened it in the past few weeks. You know that when you say to yourself out loud, “Damn, this wine is good!” after the first sip, and then you go for a second and a third, that’s when you know it’s a truly great wine!

Cheers! Santé!

That’s all, folks, for today!

Dom

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