2016 Château Figeac

Description

100   Decanter
“The 2016 Figeac reveals itself to a stunning wine from the very first whiff, such is its aromatic precision and vivacity, offering a cavalcade of scents including cedar, menthol, crunchy black fruits including blackcurrant along with a touch of truffles and pepper as well as other spices. On the palate, the wine asserts itself with a powerful, upright structure without any heaviness whatsoever, as the tannic framework is so finely drawn and elegantly proportioned. Its expression is certainly less exuberant than that of its 2018 counterpart, but this wine is a paragon of precision as well as of thoroughbred poise and energy. This is an immense Figeac of true grandeur that will stay the distance for up to five decades while giving precocious pleasure to impatient enthusiasts.” (9/2021)

99   James Suckling
“Incredibly deep and complex nose with a slew of black fruit, plus savory and bitter-chocolate notes woven subtly into the extraordinary tapestry of aromas. Titanic concentration, but it still remains so incredibly fresh and poised. Such a pure finish that goes on and on and on. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.” (5/2022

98+   Jeb Dunnuck
“Another brilliant wine from the genius of Frédéric Faye, the 2016 Château Figeac checks in as 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in new French oak. Roughly 75% of the production made it into the grand vin. This deeply colored beauty is a legendary wine in the making and offers ultra-pure aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, truffle, and graphite. Showing more violets notes with time in the glass, it builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance as well as incredible elegance, no hard edges, and a finish that won’t quit. Readers will have a blast comparing the 2016 and 2015 vintages over the coming 3-4 decades and this estate is firing on all cylinders. This will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 7-8 years and keep for 4 decades or more.” (2/2019)

98+   Antonio Galloni for Vinous
“The 2016 Figeac is simply extraordinary. A wine of pure energy and vitality, the 2016 pulses with a real sense of drive. Lavender, mint, crème de cassis and cedar start to develop in the glass, but what is most remarkable about the 2016 is its total sense of harmony. There is natural tension, a sort of push and pull, between the wine’s intense fruit and structural underpinnings that makes the 2016 a marvel to taste and contemplate. It was positively stunning in two separate tastings. Technical Director Frédéric Faye and his team made an epic Figeac in 2016.” (01/2019)

98   Neal Martin for Vinous
“The 2016 Figeac has another dimension aromatically, compared to the previous vintage. A cornucopia of aromas, red and black fruit, cedar, pencil shavings, truffle and a subtle marine scent that becomes more prominent with aeration. The palate is framed by chiseled tannins, the acidity is finely tuned, the fruit shimmers with tension and nascent vivacity. You can’t help but swallow this Figeac, and so I must apologize to the spittoon. Pixelated from A-to-Z, it will be thrilling to watch this mature.” (12/2021)

97+   Lisa Perrotti-Brown for Wine Advocate
“The 2016 Figeac is comprised of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little broody and reticent at this very youthful stage, slowly unfolding to reveal profound plum preserves, crème de cassis, black raspberries and star anise with hints of moss-covered bark, truffles and tilled loam plus a waft of red currants and raspberry leaves sparks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is practically quivering with energy, offering glimpses at tightly wound black fruit and mineral/ferrous layers, framed by very firm, ripe tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with the spices coming through. This will need a good 7-8 years to come round and then should cellar for 40+ years. Very serious, beautifully poised and sophisticated personality this vintage.” (11/2018)