Figeac St-Emilion 2017

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Figeac is outrageously beautiful. Rich, deep and ample, the 2017 soars out of the glass with vertical intensity and explosive power. The flavors are just pulsing with energy. Time in the glass brings out a captivating range of lavender, spice, mint and rose petal overtones. The 2017 Figeac is a towering achievement from Technical Director Frédéric Faye and his team. When Michel Rolland was appointed consulting winemaker some years back, many feared the personality of Figeac would be lost. It is impossible for an outsider to truly know how small or large the impact of a single person is, but Figeac has indisputably been one of the very finest wines of the Right Bank over these last few years. The 2017 is a real "wow" wine; don't miss it. Drink: 2027-2047. (Mar 2020)"

97 points Yohan Castaing (Decanter): "The 2017 possesses a more earthy character than 2018 and 2019, but it is also endowed with finely focused aromas of black fruit, spice, and a hint of tobacco mingling with notes of menthol, graphite, and cedar. It impresses even more on the palate for its crystalline edge and purity and a taut but fine-boned structure. The overall impression is a devilishly seductive wine that even has a certain delicacy belying its real cellaring potential for up to twenty or even thirty years. Compelling proof that the underrated 2017 vintage produced some great Bordeaux wines. Drinking Window: 2025-2050. (9/20/21)"

97 points La Revue du Vin de France: "The Cabernet Sauvignon not only shows off its spices in 2017, but offers all the depth of the grape in a tannic texture of refinement built on spicy notes on the finish, outlining an elegant structure. (2021)"

96 points/'Top 100 Wine of 2020 (#57),' Wine Spectator: "This starts slowly, with black tea and sunbaked loam aromas leading off, followed by a deep well of black currant, fig and blackberry preserve flavors that form the core. From there, iron and espresso cream threads line the finish, where the fruit drips slowly and the aromas linger seductively. This will be a slow burn. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2024 through 2042. (3/31/20)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Production was down by half this year—only producing 55,000 bottles. Made from 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2017 Figeac gives up expressive notes of black cherries, plum preserves, black raspberries and kirsch, giving way to hints of dried leaves, cinnamon toast and warm cassis plus a waft of lavender. Medium-bodied, the palate has wonderful vibrancy with a refreshing line cutting through the crunchy black fruits and a firm, finely grained frame, finishing long and spicy. Drink: 2023-2050. (3/16/20)"

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The grand vin is the 2017 Chateau Figeac, which was made only from first-generation grapes and is 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and only 10% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in new French oak. It offers a beautiful bouquet of creme de cassis, tobacco, violets, and tobacco, with a touch of forest floor and earth. Made in a pure, elegant, medium-bodied style, it's beautifully textured, seamless and elegant, with silky tannins and a solid spine of acidity. It's going to be drinkable in 4-5 years and cruise for 15-20 years. Drink: 2024-2044. (2/26/20)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "12017 was the frost year, and we were hit hard,' said managing director Frederic Faye. 'We marked the vines and picked with many passes through the vineyard. We made just over 50,000 bottles in the end, about half our normal production.' A blend of 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Figeac is deep garnet-purple colored. It breezes out of the glass with perfumed scents of lilacs, juicy black cherries, and blackcurrant pastilles, plus suggestions of underbrush, incense, truffles, and potpourri. Medium-bodied, elegant, and refreshing, the palate has soft, skillfully managed tannins and a lively backbone, finishing long and fragrant. (5/9/22)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "As with the vineyards of Château Cheval Blanc the vines here were hit by frost, which accounts for the low yield here this year, the total crop coming in at just 22 hl/ha. The blend is 43% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc, and the élevage was in oak barrel for 18 months. I see real panache on the nose here, with iced blackcurrant, smoke, green peppercorn and mint, showing some elements quite similar to those at Cheval Blanc. The palate is no less elegant than the nose suggests, with a beautifully harmonious integration and polish through the palate, with a fresh, elegant, light yet nicely composed style. The tannins and acidity are fresh, bright, integrated and composed. The finish is on point in terms of its composition and balance, and there is no doubting the overall quality. The hard work done here in response to what was a devastating frost shines through. (Dec 2019)"