Berry Bros -2019 Ch. Figeac, St Emilion – simply stunning
Next up we have the release of the fabulous 2019 Ch. Figeac, St Emilion – one of the most in demand wines of Bordeaux.
Ch. Figeac is one of the most ancient vineyards in Bordeaux, dating back to the second century AD. This historic property takes its name from its owner during this period, Figeacus, and is one of the few St Emilion vineyards that has remained continually occupied for the past two thousand years. Located close to Pomerol and next to Ch. Cheval Blanc, the 42 hectare vineyard has a high gravel content in the soil which suits its Cabernet-dominated blend and sets this Château apart from other St Emilion estates.
Owned by the Manoncourt family since the early 1880s, the property was promoted to 1er Grand Cru Classé (B) in 2013 which has ushered in a new era for the property lead by Frédéric Faye, Michel Rolland and Jean Valmy Nicolas. The wines have certainly evolved from being very traditional to being more voluptuous and hedonistic, something which has appealed to many drinkers and critics.
The 2019 continues the incredible run of wines produced in recent years. The extreme quality of Cabernet Franc this year shines through in the precision and overall balance. As we now expect from Figeac, the tannins beautifully judged.
Released with a 30% reduction upon last year’s 2018 price (£1086 per 6), an attractive discount at the magical 30% mark we are all seeking but it’s worth noting that 2018 Ch. Figeac was the Chateau’s most expensive ever en primeur release.
Demand has increased considerably over the past 5 years and it is likely to continue to grow – Figeac can now legitimately challenge the likes of Cheval Blanc, Ausone and the rest to be considered as one of the best châteaux in St Emilion.
Availability is extremely limited and I have received a small allocation. Please let me know at your earliest convenience if you would like a case.
2019 Ch. Figeac, St Emilion
£756 per case of 6 bottles in bond
Blend: 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot.
“The quality of the Cabernet Franc this year – the best at the estate of the last 20 years – defines the wine this year, with lifted notes of hedgerow and woodland fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon, drawing on the deep blue clays, is ripe and velvety but with fine chalky tannins delivering freshness and the Merlot is voluptuous and succulent. Overall the gloss of Figeac’s new style is seductive and impressive. Drink 2029-2050.”
Berry Bros. & Rudd
“The 2019 Figeac is composed of 30% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Cabernet Franc, harvested from the 13th of September to the 7th of October. The alcohol this year is 14.1% and the pH is 3.7. Steal-your-heart scents of mulberries, black raspberries, Black Forest cake and cassis prance ever so gracefully out of the glass, followed by nuances of plum preserves, red roses, cinnamon toast and clove oil plus just a waft of lavender. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with electric energy, framed by a solid backbone of wonderfully ripe, grainy Cabernet-led tannins and bold freshness, finishing with fantastic persistence and with tons of emerging earth and floral layers. This is a simply stunning, seemingly effortless, beautifully harmonious expression of the vineyard and the vintage – bravo!
98-100/100 Lisa Perotti-Brown, Wine Advocate
“A higher amount of Cabernet Franc than usual in the blend, really get the Cabernet impact on the nose and on the attack, could easily say Left Bank with the liquorice root, menthol and leafy character. A rich creaminess comes in through the mid palate, with sappy raspberry fruits alongside salinity and minerality. The exuberance of a warm summer is there but it is well hidden under the precision of the tannic structure overall. An extremely impressive and signature Figeac. Juicy on the finish and oh so careful in its tannic delivery.”
97/100 Jane Anson, Decanter
“This is one of the most structured and linear Figeac with very fine tannins, yet at an intense level. So complex on the nose with notes of white flowers, blueberries and graphite. It’s full-bodied, very balanced and agile. So transparent and linear with brightness and raciness. 36% cabernet franc, 30% merlot and 34% cabernet sauvignon.”
98-99/100 James Suckling
Ian O’Kane
Fine Wine Sales (Ireland)
Berry Bros. & Rudd
28-32 Pembroke Street, Dublin 2
T: +353 1906 5326
M: +353 (0)86 601 4722
www.bbr.com
