Château-Figeac 2023

Crystal-clear, aristocratic, majestic—cassis, red berries, violets, spicy notes—pure poetry; highly elegant on the palate, tannins like velvet and silk, delicate fruit, perfectly timed ripeness, wood perfectly integrated, great tension, with character, freshness, salinity, and length; simply a hit!

High-toned aromatics, purple fruit, blackcurrant, wet stones and minerality on the nose, really quite scented and alive, floral, purple flowers, and ripe black fruit with freshness too. Supple and succulent, a good plushness here, not chalky or chewy but ripe and cool at the same time. Hints of dark chocolate, liquorice, blueberry and wet stone also give the mineral accents. Silky, yet this wine has an amazing texture. Cool and classic, but there’s clear ripeness too. Almost thick, but refined. High acidity, great lift and zing — tannins are present and apparent, gently expanding around the mouth. It’s more serious than usual, a touch firmer with tension, but equally it’s structured with a long, mouthwatering finish. This will be lovely! pH 3.68.

Distinctively floral on the nose, with additional nuances of cigar wrappers, mint, forest floor, and red spice alongside black fruits. The palate is even more joyous. Medium-bodied, elegant, vibrant, sweet-fruited, fresh, with just a touch of spice, it delivers waves of pure red and black fruits that exude a gorgeous sense of purity. There are no hard edges. This is the quintessential definition of elegance. For history buffs, this is the 130th vintage under the ownership of the Manoncourt family. Drink from 2029-2060.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core with purple reflections, brightening at the rim. Intense blackberry-like fruit, blackberries, a hint of cassis, floral nuances, inviting bouquet. Complex, juicy, deep, hints of blueberries, vivid, integrated tannins, salty minerality on the finish, lingers very well. A full-bodied yet refined food wine with some ageing potential.

Fragrant floral aromatics straight off the bat, peony and violet, and a vibrant juiciness that travels through the palate. Savory dark fruit character, with flint and textural interest, full of Figeac finesse. 130th vintage of the Manoncourt family at Figeac, and the first vintage where they knew they were Premier Grand Cru Classé A from the start of the season, as it was announced in September 2022. 130mm of rain lower than average over the growing season here, allowing a long slow harvest from September 6 to October 5, 45hl/ha yield.

Score: 97–99. So much fruit! Juicy red fruits and ripe black fruits, joined by more floral notes of peony, iris, and violet with peppery, almost spicy aromas. The palate is pure velvet. Concentration and power, but above all elegance. A gentle attack, lingering aromatic length, a refined texture with superb grain, and a minty freshness on the finish. Brilliant.

Lovely elegant nose: voluptuous, delicate, precise, airy, nicely textured, offering fine density/richness (discreet, well-balanced/controlled) and a lovely definition. It reveals notes of bright boysenberry, bright blackcurrant and, more subtly, fleshy redcurrant, combined with delicate touches of pulpy raspberry, violet, star anise, a subtle hint of almost toasted seed/crushed ripe seed, and a subtle hint of graphite. Lovely finesse in its texture. The palate is beautifully guided, elegant, graphite-toned, textured (with delicacy and accuracy), nicely supple, airy, elongated, finely chiselled, and offers a refined, racy minerality, brightness/shine, and a lovely intensity with finesse/control. Vibrant and masterfully handled. Very pretty plush/velvety mid-palate. A pleasing “classicism tinged with modernity.” On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy purple plum and radiant blackcurrant, combined with touches of redcurrant, plum blossom, fine hints of tonka bean, graphite, dark chocolate, and toastiness. Beautiful soft, savory tannins. Lovely tannic richness and power, all in control. A subtle hint of almost radiant/bright blueberry on the back/finish.

96-98. Barrel Sample. Vintage 2023 marks the 130th anniversary of the arrival of the Manoncourt family as owners of Figeac. This wine has an explosive, aromatic bouquet, marked by the Cabernets. Intense spicy flavors and rich tannins deliver fine juiciness. It is full of black fruits and acidity backed by the tannins for aging.