Chateau Figeac 2016

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Knocking on the door of 100 Pts, this leaves you speechless. The wine offers mouth coating layers of silk and velvet drenched fruit. The wine combines, lift, opulence and length, with a finish that sticks with you for close to 60 seconds. This is a contender for wine of the vintage!"

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Mit aromatischen Kräutern wie Pfefferminze und Kardamom unterlegte Brombeernote, ein Hauch von Cassis und Tabak, vom Cabernet klar markierter Duft. Engmaschig und straff, dunkle Frucht, angenehme Extraktsüße, reifes, tragendes Tannin, finessenreich und lange anhaltend, mineralisch-salziger Terroirtouch, ein neuer Meilenstein für dieses großartige Weingut."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "97–99. Barrel Sample. This aromatic wine is magnificent in its balance and richness. With its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (38%), it is so typical of this estate. The tannins are velvety while packing a firm punch. Dark and concentrated, it is a great wine for long-term aging."

THE 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."

WEINWISSER: "38 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 36 % Merlot, 26 % Cabernet Franc, 49 hl/ha. Sehr dichtes Purpur mit schwarzer Mitte und lila Rand. Was für ein feingliedriges Parfüm mit Cassis, Walderdbeeren und Brombeeren, dahinter Lakritze, parfümierter Pfeifentabak, Schokopastillen und ein Touch feiner Röstaromen. Am eleganten Gaumen mit hochfeinen Tanninen und guter Struktur, im Rückaroma viel Heidelbeeren. «Alles in Balance und von nichts zu viel», meint Frédéric Faye: es hat Frucht, Frische und Kraft, plus ein nicht enden wollendes Finale. Grandiose Delikatesse, auf (fast) gleichem Niveau wie im letzten Jahr! 19+/20"

JANCIS ROBINSON: "Lively and very Figeac. Just as it should be. Zesty and confident and of the place. Rich palate entry and then lovely freshness. Firm and glorious. Like an arrow. Very pure. Frédéric Faye and the Manoncourt family should be very proud. Classic. Racy and juicy and beautifully balanced. Long."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Splendid texture and finesse to this young Figeac with a pure silk texture. Full-bodied and ultra-fine. Lovely combination of fruit and freshness. The polish is gorgeous to this. Precision redefined. Pretty follow-up to the 2015."

WINE SPECTATOR: "A gutsy, fully endowed wine, brimming with dark currant, warm fig and steeped blackberry notes, as well as waves of smoldering tobacco and warm gravel. Features a serious bass line, but everything works together, while flecks of savory and iron dart in and out. Best from 2025 through 2040. 8,333 cases made."