2023 Château Figeac Premier Grand Cru Classé

Winery Château Figeac

Château Figeac is one of the most iconic wineries of Saint-Émilion and was promoted to Premier Grand Cru Classé A in 2022, the highest classification of the appellation. The estate is situated on an exceptional terroir on the western edge of Saint-Émilion, where gravelly soils are strongly reminiscent of the famous terroirs of the Médoc.

This unique terroir also explains the special blend of Figeac. Unlike many other Saint-Émilion wines, Cabernet plays a major role here. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon form an important part of the blend and give the wine structure, aromatic complexity, and great aging potential.

Since 2013, Frédéric Faye has been at the helm as director of the château. Under his leadership, precision in the vineyard and cellar has been further refined. The harvest takes place plot by plot, sometimes spread over several weeks, ensuring that every grape is picked at the perfect moment. Thanks to a new, modern cellar, all plots can be vinified separately, further enhancing the precision of the final blend.

2023 Château Figeac

The 2023 Château Figeac is one of the absolute top wines of the vintage in Bordeaux. The wine combines concentration and power with striking freshness and precision. The blend consists of 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon , a classic blend that perfectly reflects the character of the terroir.

The harvest took place in multiple phases to ensure optimal ripeness. The Merlot was picked between September 6 and 15, followed by a short break before the Cabernet grapes were harvested between September 27 and October 5. This slow and precise approach results in a wine with exceptional balance and aromatic depth.

Terroir and style

The vineyards of Figeac cover approximately 41 hectares and are situated on deep gravel soils that provide excellent drainage and heat retention. This terroir is particularly well-suited for Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc and gives the wine its typical structure and aromatic complexity.

Figeac's style is classic yet refined: powerful structure combined with elegance, freshness, and distinct minerality. In recent vintages, the wine has become slightly more accessible without losing its characteristic precision and aging potential.

Color, smell and taste

Deep ruby red in color. On the nose, complex aromas of cassis, mulberry, and blackcurrant, complemented by floral notes of iris, tobacco, pencil shavings, and subtle spices.

On the palate, rich and layered with a powerful core of dark fruit. Fine, powdery tannins and lively acidity give the wine structure and tension. The finish is long, mineral, and exceptionally refined with notes of spices, graphite, and dark berries.

Reviews

96-98 points – The Wine Advocate (William Kelley)
“A brilliant classic in the making… aromas of cassis and mulberry with iris, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings and spice. Rich, layered and concentrated with powdery tannins and lively acids.”

100 points – Vinous (Antonio Galloni)
“The 2023 Figeac is outrageously great… dark, layered and explosive with mind-blowing intensity and pure power. One of the finest wines ever made here.”

Storage potential

Château Figeac is known for its impressive aging potential, and the 2023 is no exception. Thanks to the combination of Cabernet structure, fresh acidity, and deep fruit concentration, this wine can develop for many decades to come. The optimal drinking period begins around 2033 and can extend well beyond 2070.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.