Château Figeac 2020

Lots of finesse and subtlety in this bouquet. Floral and fruity expressions with nuances of aromatic herbs (thyme) then a touch of black pepper. Scents of violets, blueberries, blackcurrant liqueur and raspberries. On the palate the wine is also distinguished by its finesse. It is precise, delicious, with tight, powerful, fine-grained tannins and a lively acid structure. They are mainly revealed at the end of the mouth where they reach their fullness. Beautiful and long fruity finish. A powerful, racy Figeac, marked by the freshness of its finish. The wine is vibrant, imposing and persistent. 2028-2060

This is a really sophisticated young wine with tobacco, crushed stone, currants and dark chocolate on the nose, following through to a medium to full body with intense yet linear tannins and a spicy, fresh finish. Some cloves and black pepper. Graphite at the end. Very long. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon.

Dark, intense and purple color. Very aromatic, fine, fruity, subtle, fragrant and delicate nose. Mouth full of tactile grace, with a crazy elegance in the touch and a noble texture which made me want a little more power between the middle and the finish, a little less caution. Beautiful uncrushable persistence. Blend: 37% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon. Alcohol content: 13°8 - pH: 3.7. Yield: 40 hl/ha. Production: 75% first wine.

This delivers concentration and intensity, a tone of black fruits, definitely Cabernet dominant in terms of fruit, and its slightly serious character, with a whoosh of juice on the finish. An extremely elegant and controlled wine, with savory bilberry and loganberry, then peony and tobacco leaf as it opens. Tannins are finely layered but there are a lot of them. Not an exuberant Figeac, but this is rarely a wine that rushes out to seduce, it takes its time and has aging potential in spades. The gravel soils in the drought of the summer meant the grapes slowed their ripening process, although only the youngest vines suffered blockages, and that combined with the high Cabernet content of Figeac means lower alcohols than the past few years, giving a classic balance and a feeling of effortless success. 75% of the production went into the first wine. Harvest September 4 to October 1, a full five weeks. Their final yield here was around 37hl/ha, (higher than in 2019 at Figeac, which was 34hl/ha). As with on the Left Bank, the Cabernet Sauvignons were the lowest yield (30hl/ha), with tiny berries so had to be careful with the extraction. First vintage in the new cellars.