Wine Advisor
Figeac 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Lean and austere with vegetal characteristics, this dark ruby-colored 2008 reveals a hollow mid-palate and moderate tannins in the finish. There are some complex elements in the aromatics, but that does not follow through on the palate. Drink it over the next 7-8 years as it does not appear to possess the substance or concentration to last.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Figeac 2008 has very good lift on the nose, very pure although a little oaky with cedar and mocha notes inflecting the dark fruit profile. The palate has a tannic entry and seems a little grainy in texture. It coalesces nicely in the glass and is imbued with a great sense of tension, whilst the finish is crisp and vary natural. It just lacks the persistency of its peers. Tasted January 2012.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property. The 2008 Figeac has an almost Burgundy-like bouquet that is nicely defined: smudged strawberry, touches of blood orange and even quince coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip. It is perhaps lacking a little substance and feels a little masculine and austere, though that is keeping with the vintage. Foursquare and conservative, this is what you might call an unapologetically "classic" Figeac that should be drunk over the next fifteen years. Tasted June 2015.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. The Cabernet Sauvignon is very present on the bouquet of the Figeac ’08 and has great clarity and lift. Aromas of cedar, blackberry and a touch of smoke. The palate is medium-bodied with a crisp and sports and almost sorbet like entry. Very fine tannins and a great sense of tension on the finish with redcurrant, Morello and wild strawberry. Great length although not quite the breeding of the 2009. This is still an admirable wine. Drink 2013-2030. Tasted October 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
En primeur barrel sample. This has quite an elegant nose, quite minerally, pert black fruits, griottes, boysenberry. Less masculine than usual. The palate is well structured with robust tannins, fresh and lively with blackberry, boysenberry and blueberry with a touch of cedar towards the finish. Grippy, good depth and length. As usual, more austere than other Saint Emilions because of the Cabernet, but great length. A wine with stature. Tasted April 2009.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
Medium bright ruby. Expressive nose offers strawberry, ripe red cherry and mineral aromas, all lifted by a floral topnote. Satiny-smooth on entry, with the ripe red berry and sweet spice flavors given laser-like precision by high but harmonious acids. Finishes long and subtle, with a pretty mineral nuance. Estate director Eric d'Aramon told me he felt this wine was very similar to the '06, but I feel the '08 lacks the fleshiness of that wine, making up for it with wonderfully pure, mineral-driven fruitiness.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2008 Figeac was the first vintage with winemaker Frédéric Faye at the helm following the passing of Thierry Manoncourt. It is a tripartite blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc cropped at 29hl/ha, matured in 100% new oak for 20 months. As I have remarked with respect to previous encounters, there is something almost Burgundy-like on the nose, thanks to the purity of fruit. With aeration it develops more Bordeaux traits such as mint and cedar. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin cut through by a fine line of acidity. This feels harmonious in the mouth although it does not possess the precision of current vintages. It remains rather masculine on the finish, completing an enjoyable Figeac that serves as a fine wine in itself, but can also be seen as a forerunner for the excellent 2009 and 2010 vintages. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirit’s annual vertical tasting.)
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Good deep red-ruby. Aromas of blackcurrant, bitter cherry and licorice. A dense, penetrating midweight, with a strong core of acidity giving shape and grip to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Minerals and sweet fruit flavors carry through on the long, suave, gripping finish. Classic, uncompromisingly dry claret with firm but nicely buffered tannins.
About the Producer
During the ten years from 2010 to 2020, the team at Château-Figeac stepped up their efforts to craft consistently precise wines whose purity reflects the distinctive character of the terroir. Each plot and each grape variety, once fully expressed, brings a new element to the rich canvas created every year at blending, giving birth to a remarkable succession of great wines. Freshness is a hallmark of our 2015, 2018 and 2020 vintages, despite very hot and sunny weather. So-called classic vintages are reinterpreted with great subtlety and a mineral cast in the 2010, 2016 and 2019 wines. The singular gift of the Château-Figeac terroir comes to the fore in the 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2017 vintages, when the weather was less auspicious. They produced highly successful wines greatly appreciated by faithful connoisseurs. In 2021, Château-Figeac inaugurated a new 5,000 m² semi underground winery equipped with custom made stainless steel and wooden vats. The summit of elegance, a jewel of innovation and precision designed to meet High Environmental Quality standards, it also offers visitors two light and airy tasting rooms.
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