Chateau Figeac St Emilion 2022 (750ml)

Wine Advocate

The 2022 Figeac is one of the wines of the vintage. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of dark berries and cassis mingled with hints of violet pencil lead mint and cigar wrapper it's medium to full-bodied dense and concentrated with striking intensity and sweetness of fruit married with unerring precision and energy concluding with a long penetrating finish. Abundant but exquisitely filigreed tannins lend a sense of classicism and proportion to a wine that might otherwise be flamboyant. As I wrote from barrel it's the quintessential Figeac testament to the late Thierry Manoncourt's vision to plant such a large proportion of Cabernet and on drought-resistant rootstocks. Such is the inherent complexity of Figeac's terroirs that harvest took place sub-block by sub-block between September 1st and 25th. Could the result be a contemporary version of the estate's magical 1949? (WK)' 'An incredibly impressive wine in 2022 shaping up to be the wine of the vintage not only as it seems to defy the hot and dry conditions in every way but delivers such confidence and charm it makes it hard to resist. Gorgeous aromatic expression on the nose open and alive generous scents of bright bramble fruit and floral notes as well as graphite and cedar. Smooth supple and generous on the palate tannins are silky and perfectly weighted giving roundness but also structure with a red berry juiciness and saline bite that is so compelling. Vibrant dynamic balanced and precise the energy is outstanding yet there’s still depth weight and power underneath. There's not a single thing out of place - utterly seductive and totally moreish. A great effort from the estate now proudly displaying their upgrade to St-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé A for the first time as of the new classification. 3.7pH. 8% press wine. 82% grand vin production. Harvest 1 - 26 September the earliest ever. (GH)' 'The 2022 Figeac was picked between 1-26 September with the pH of 3.7 and 14% alcohol. This wine combines both Left Bank and Right Bank traits due to its blend (as usual) but this year leans more to the Right Bank despite a slightly lower contribution of Cabernet Sauvignon. It is very well defined fresh and shows lively black fruit incense and nuanced Chinese tea aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with a lightly spiced entry fine depth and with plenty of concentration counterbalanced by finesse toward the graphite-infused finish. Its saline aftertaste beckons you back for another sip. An appropriate way to start your tenure as a Grand Cru Classé 'A'. (NM)