Figeac 2013

robert_parker93

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Picked between 1 and 15 October, it is a blend of 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, a high percentage of the latter, which might surprise a few naysayers. Cropped at 36hl/ha, the Figeac 2013 is being matured in 100% new oak. The bouquet is clean and fresh, the Cabernet offering a touch of fresh mint to the dark berry fruit, the oak nicely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. There is clearly a fine bead of acidity; a harmonious and silky smooth Figeac with shimmering black fruit seguing into an understated charming finish. I have read a lot about Michel Rolland supposedly creating a blockbuster wine when in fact the truth is that Frederic Faye, with Michel as consultant, has created a classic Figeac that will give great pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years. Tasted April 2014.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.

The final blend, from yields of 36 hectoliters per hectare, is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. With an average alcohol of 13%, the wine is outstanding and probably, for me, the best Figeac in many a year - even though it is from a difficult vintage. A tribute to not only Madame Manoncourt, but to Jean-Valmy Nicolas and Michel Rolland. The wine is a dense ruby/purple with a beautiful nose of creme de cassis, cedar wood and a touch of tobacco leaf. The wine is medium-bodied and has opulence on the attack, after which tannins kick in. This exhibits good purity and far more texture and depth than about any recent Figeac has possessed. A wine that was over-cropped, picked underripe and simply a major underperformer for such a great terroir. It should drink well for 10-15 years. With 100-plus acres, Figeac is St.-Emilion-s largest single vineyard and is situated on an outcropping of graves, hence the decision decades ago to plant a good bit of Cabernet Sauvignon. Fortunately, Madame Manoncourt, who took control of the family estate after her husband died, has had the foresight to bring in Jean-Valmy Nicolas of La Conseillante and also hire Michel Rolland to look after the wine. For the first full vintage, he-s had to work with this 2013, and while some people in Bordeaux thought this was the wine of the vintage, I-m not prepared to go that far. It certainly is a huge improvement (and keep in mind the raw materials had to be far less impressive than, for example, what would have been available in 2009 or 2010). The harvest took place October 1, with the Cabernet harvested during the week of October 9-15.

robert_parker91

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

Tasted at the property, the 2013 Figeac was the first vintage that saw Michel Rolland assist with the blending. It has a very respectable bouquet for the vintage. Serve this blind and see if your guest would suggest it was from this derided vintage. The nose is delineated and fresh with blackberry, wild strawberry and minty scents emanating from the Cabernet component. The palate is well balanced with crisp tannin, well balanced with good substance for a 2013. What I appreciate here is that it maintains the style of Figeac: structured with just a touch of austerity, backed up by a crisp line of acidity and a cedar-tinged finish. If you are intending to purchase a 2013 Right Bank, then I would park you car here. Tasted June 2016.

vinous93

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2013 Figeac is gorgeous. Firm and structured on the palate, the 2013 impresses for its persistence and overall balance. Smoke, dark red cherries, plums and tobacco all flesh out in the glass in a wine backed up with serious density for the year. The balance of fruit and tannin is striking. This is a fabulous showing. Much was said and written when Michel Rolland was hired to consult here. Rolland has succeeded greatly in polishing some of the rough edges that were at times present in the past, while allowing the attributes of this site to speak with eloquence. Tasted two times.

vinous90

Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata

Deep red-ruby. Aromas of black cherry, smoke, chocolate mint and underbrush show a caramel nuance; gained sweetness and focus with aeration. Juicy, floral dark fruit and licorice flavors show moderate hang time on the back end, which features dusty tannins and a repeating floral quality.