Figeac 2015

robert_parker99

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Figeac is a blend of 29% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon that was picked from 21 September with the Merlot until 15 October with the Cabernet Sauvignon at 41 hectoliters per hectare. The Cabernet comes through strongly on the nose - classic Figeac in many ways - black fruit, a touch of cassis, pencil and a touch of rose petal. The palate is drop-dead gorgeous, its foundation a lattice of filigree tannin and perfectly judged acidity. It is very fresh from its vivacious start to its pencil-lead finish imbued with effortless grace. It is almost comical that naysayers decried that Michel Rolland would turn Figeac into some kind of fruit bomb. Head winemaker Frédéric Faye has overseen a tip-top classic Figeac without any of the greenness that occasionally affected older vintages, now boasting a level of precision up there with the very best in the Right Bank. It was difficult to find fault with this quite astonishing Saint Emilion and who knows what could transpire once it is in bottle.

robert_parker98

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Figeac is a blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc and showed impressively from barrel, the best vintage until the nascent 2016 trotted along. That subsequent vintage should not steal the thunder of the 2015. It has a captivating, very pure and refined bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, graphite and subtle violet scents (the cassis note appears to have dissipated during the élevage). The palate is medium-bodied with very fine, slightly chalky tannin matched with nigh-on perfect acidity. This feels so harmonious and so terroir-driven, exactly as I hoped for when tasting this en primeur. It is going to be a legendary wine for this historic estate and I sincerely hope you have a few bottles nestling in your cellar. Give it 8 to 10 years in bottle.

robert_parker97

Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The recent leaps and bounds in improvements that have occurred at this great estate, equating to a dramatic increase in intensity and complexity—without compromising the husky, soft-spoken, sultry voice that is Figeac—is a monumental achievement. Kudos to Frederic Faye and his team for so beautifully expressing what was clearly an extraordinary vintage at Chateau Figeac! Blended of 29% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc, the deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Figeac reveals vibrant black cherries, cassis, red currants, black plums and licorice notes with touches of cigar boxes, bouquet garni, potpourri, damp soil and black pepper. Medium-bodied, delicately crafted and with nuanced, quietly intense layers of vivacious red and black fruits, the palate features a solid frame of polished, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and minerally.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

One of the real standouts of the vintage, the 2015 Figeac soars out of the glass with stunning aromatic presence and beautifully layered fruit. Powerful and yet also light on its feet, it is wonderfully complex from start to finish. Plum, mocha, spice, new leather and menthol gradually open up, but the 2015 is most remarkable for its sensual perfume and exceptional overall balance. This is the first vintage the winemaking team followed a new protocol designed to maintain purity of fruit and aromas by reducing contact with oxygen during the first year of aging. The 2015 Figeac is magnificent.

vinous96

Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni

The 2015 Figeac is superb. A blast of tannin hits the palate first followed by waves of inky purplish fruit, exotic spices, new leather, lavender and mint. Beams of pulsating acidity and structure give the 2015 much of its super-distinctive personality. The 2015 is powerful and built to age, that much is clear. In 2015, Figeac brings together the generosity of the year with the classic sense of structure that is so unique to Figeac, with a touch greater polish that Michel Rolland has brought since he arrived. The 2015 is compelling. It's as simple as that.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Figeac is a step up from the 2014 with exquisite scents of red berry fruit, incense, rose petal and crush stone. Pixelated with wonderful precision. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins, wonderful backbone allied with a sense of symmetry. It is more saline than previous vintages, with saliva flowing after the wine has exited. One of the standouts from the Right Bank in this vintage. Tasted at the château.

vinous97

Reviewed by: Neal Martin

The 2015 Figeac has a wonderful bouquet with pure blackberry, raspberry and mineral aromas, very focused and precise with discreet earthy scents emerging with time. The palate is very precise with crisp acidity, taut and linear with a very detailed and persistent finish. This is quintessential Figeac trying to steal some of the glory from the imperious 2016! It needs time but just wait until this blossoms. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.