100/100: Ch Figeac 2018, "This is a truly remarkable wine" (Decanter)
Our Bordeaux buyer has just found a well-priced parcel of the 100-point Chateau Figeac 2018 that has never left Bordeaux. For Yohan Castaing of Decanter, this is a perfect wine that has “a full-bodied texture wrapped around perfectly polished tannins allied with fine-judged acidity that together provide thrust leading to a finish that is intense yet light-footed and infused with freshness”.
Fugal has been on an incredible run of form in recent years. Changes in practices in the vineyards and winery have resulted in magnificent wines that have returned this historic property to the top tier of quality in St Emilion. It has been one of the must-haves in the last few en primeur campaigns, and large parcels like this rare and worth swooping on.
This parcel is particularly interesting when viewed against the recently released 2022 vintage. Placed on the market at £1,518 per 6, Figeac is clearly repositioning upwards to reflect the immense quality achieved here. This means that, for the moment, there is excellent comparative value in back vintages as prices are yet to catch up. This 2018 is a prime example.
Details are below:
2018 Chateau Figeac
(6*75cl OWC) @ £1,075 per case in bond
100 points Decanter (Yohan Castaing)
This still exudes the freshness and exuberance that the wine had during the primeur stage with its scents of blackcurrant, raspberry, and crushed strawberry along with a delicate floral touch. The new oak is perfectly integrated while imparting a subtle smoky note. The attack is surprisingly creamy, announcing a full-bodied texture wrapped around perfectly polished tannins allied with fine-judged acidity that together provide thrust leading to a finish that is intense yet light-footed and infused with freshness. This is a truly remarkable wine that will surely develop an even more velvety mouthfeel in years to come. Bravo. (2021)
www.decanter.com Drink 2025-2050
98 points Antonio Galloni
The 2018 Figeac is a regal, aristocratic Saint-Émilion. Vertical in feel, Figeac possesses stunning energy and vibrancy right out of the gate. Dark cherry, plum, mocha, licorice, rose petal and spice all open with a bit of coaxing. Figeac is a bit restrained today, but it won’t be an issue in another few years’ time. Figeac is not an obvious wine, but it is superb. (2021)
www.vinous.com
98 points Jeb Dunnuck
Reminiscent of the 2016 with its incredible purity and elegance, the 2018 Château Figeac offers a terrific perfume of crème de cassis, redcurrants, dried earth, tobacco, lead pencil, spring flowers, and exotic spice-driven nuances. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it’s flawlessly balanced, has silky, polished tannins, and a stunning sense of purity. It doesn’t have the sexiness of the 2015, but it’s very much in the style of the 2018 vintage with its pure, elegant, haut couture-like style. And it doesn’t show a hint of its 100% new oak élevage. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following 20-30 years. It’s not the biggest or richest Saint- Emilion, yet the balance, finesse, and elegance are something to behold. I think it’s going to check in behind the 2015 (and maybe the 2019) when all is said and done, but it’s unquestionably one of the greatest Figeac in the past 20-30 years. The blend is 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, raised all in new oak. Another big “Bravo” to the talented director, Frédéric Faye! (2021)
www.jebdunnuck.com
Offered subject to final confirmation. Available in the UK in 8-12 weeks.
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