Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Emilion, 2019

Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion 2019 is a benchmark right-bank Bordeaux that marries classical elegance with modern precision. Dominated by Cabernet varieties in a Merlot heartland, it offers a uniquely structured, age-worthy expression of Saint-Émilion. From one of the appellation’s most storied estates, this 2019 captures the brilliance of a great vintage and the finesse that has made Figeac a collector’s favorite for decades.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Figeac shows a deep, shimmering garnet core with violet reflections and a refined, almost satin-like appearance. The nose is complex and layered: ripe blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum intertwine with graphite, cedar, fresh tobacco leaf and hints of violets, cocoa, and subtle spice. As it opens, more nuanced notes of pencil shavings, crushed stone and a gentle floral lift emerge, revealing real depth and pedigree. On the palate, the wine is both powerful and supremely poised. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc bring a vibrant spine of acidity and finely etched tannins, framing a core of pure, juicy black and red fruits. Flavors of cassis, wild blackberry and redcurrant are laced with savory notes of cigar box, bay leaf and a touch of mocha. The texture is silky yet structured, with great precision and length, finishing on mineral-driven, saline notes and lingering dark fruit. Still youthful, the 2019 has outstanding aging potential: it will begin to show beautifully after 7–10 years in bottle and can comfortably evolve and gain complexity over 20–30 years or more in a good cellar.

Production
Château Figeac sits on one of the most distinctive terroirs in Saint-Émilion, a rare outcrop of deep gravel over sand and clay that is more reminiscent of the Médoc than the typical right-bank limestone plateau. This gravelly, well-draining soil is ideally suited to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, explaining the unusually high proportion of these varieties in the blend. Grapes are harvested by hand, parcel by parcel, with meticulous selection both in the vineyard and on sorting tables to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy fruit is used. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled wooden and stainless-steel vats, with gentle extraction to preserve finesse and aromatic purity. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels (a significant proportion new) for around 18–20 months, allowing the tannins to polish and the complex bouquet to knit together without overwhelming the natural character of the fruit and terroir.

Food & Serving
Figeac 2019 is a superb partner for refined, savory dishes. It shines with roast lamb studded with garlic and rosemary, beef tenderloin, duck breast, and game birds such as pheasant or guinea fowl. Mushroom-based dishes, truffle risotto, and aged hard cheeses (Comté, aged Gouda, mature Cheddar) also work beautifully, highlighting its earthy, mineral and savory dimensions. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F). For current drinking in its youth, decant for 2–3 hours to allow the wine to fully open; as it matures, a gentle 1-hour decant will help separate any sediment and awaken the aromatics without overexposing an older bottle.

Producer
Château Figeac is one of the most historic and esteemed estates in Saint-Émilion, with roots dating back to Gallo-Roman times and a continuous viticultural history stretching over centuries. Its singular gravel terroir and Cabernet-driven style have long set it apart on the right bank, earning it the prestigious status of Premier Grand Cru Classé and, more recently, elevation to the top tier of the appellation. Under the stewardship of the Manoncourt family, Figeac has become a reference point for age-worthy, elegant Bordeaux that bridges the personalities of the Left and Right Banks. Consistently lauded by critics and collectors alike, the château is celebrated for its commitment to precision viticulture, sensitive winemaking and wines that speak clearly of their exceptional terroir.