2023 Château Figeac Petit Figeac

Château Figeac - Petit-Figeac 2023

Petit-Figeac is always made exclusively from grapes harvested at Château-Figeac. Under the direction of Frédéric Faye, this wine is produced with the same dedication and standards as the Grand Vin. It is not a wine from a single plot, but the result of a special selection, with a different blend each year. For 2023, the blend consists of 55% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Franc, and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine ages in 30% new French oak barrels.

Harvest and Vinification

Harvest dates: September 6 - October 5

The early budding of the Merlots in March, two weeks earlier than planned, reflected the rising temperatures. The black frost of April 4 and 5 did not damage the buds at Figeac, thanks to an effective strategy and control methods. The homogeneous budding of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon began on April 4. The uniform growth of the vines and flowering in late May were promoted by warmer and drier weather than the thirty-year average. Rare rain showers ensured rapid clustering of the bunches, preserving the harvest potential.

July brought a quiet, dry, and sunny period in which the véraison of the Merlot began on July 11, followed by the Cabernets on August 1. A long green harvest campaign enabled us to select the best grapes. High temperatures in August (>40°C for 3 days) alternated with scattered rain showers. Careful leaf thinning ensured a balance between freshness and optimal ripeness.

The harvest took place in two phases: first the Merlots from September 6 to 15, followed by the Cabernets from September 27 to October 5. The 12-day pause between the Merlot and Cabernet harvests is one of the longest in the history of Château-Figeac. Although the Cabernets had already reached technical ripeness, this pause resulted in more complex phenolic and aromatic profiles, characteristic of Château-Figeac.

Tasting notes

The nose is refined, elegant, and complex, with delicious aromas of licorice and blackcurrant, as well as floral nuances of red roses and peonies. Furthermore, the wine reveals mineral notes of earth and roots, with hints of Virginia tobacco. On the palate, the wine starts remarkably straightforward, subsequently becoming full of flavor with controlled power and a well-balanced extraction mid-palate. The delicious and flavorful finish is supported by polished and precise tannins. Pastry, juicy, and fruity notes (blue and black fruits) combine with cedar aromas, adding finesse and complexity.

Climate and Management

The year 2023 saw remarkably high annual rainfall, while the growing season was one of the driest in the past 20 years, with several heatwaves. Despite the impression of a gloomy spring and summer, the growing season was one of the driest years in modern history. The summer featured high temperatures in August (>40°C for 3 days) and scattered rain showers. These conditions required meticulous care and management of the vineyards to maintain the balance between freshness and ripeness.

Conclusion

Petit-Figeac 2023 is a wine of great refinement and complexity, with a perfect balance between power, freshness, and aromatic depth. This wine promises great aging potential and is a testament to the craftsmanship and dedication of Château-Figeac. For lovers of Bordeaux wines, this is a wine to look forward to and cherish in the years to come.

FUN FACT: The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to pick up the wine, you often receive a nice discount. You will see the potential discount immediately when you select "Pick up" on the Checkout page. We are located almost next to the main road with ample parking. Click here for the address.