2016 chateau figeac premier grand cru classe a, saint-emilion grand cru
Marketplace price
Bottle size (ML)
Loading...
Why We're Buying
Some wine estates decline in quality as they expand. Not Château Figeac. As the largest estate in Saint-Émilion, it holds a Premier grand cru classé (B) rating. Its Bordeaux red blend also earned a perfect rating from Lisa Perrotti-Brown and Jeb Dunnuck in 2019, while the 2016 vintage earned a 100 out of 100 from Roger Voss.
Critics Scores
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.
Decanter
A testament to the work being undertaken at Figeac in recent years, this has depth and intensity while retaining the smile of the fruit. Richness combines with gorgeous length and intensity, every bit as impressive as it was during en primeur. Touches of violet and a silky texture precede hugely precise slate walls that pull the fruit into place through the palate. It takes its time in the glass to fully open, only slowly revealing the black olives, pungent white pepper and rosemary aromatics. Bottled in late July. 100 new oak.
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.
Robert Parker's 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.
Wine Enthusiast
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.
James Suckling
This is a very linear and driven Figeac with smooth and fine tannins. Full-bodied, yet compact and reserved. Blackberry, chocolate and hazelnut flavors. Direct and structured. A blend of 38 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 36 per cent merlot, and 26 per cent cabernet franc. Better after 2024.