FIGEAC 2014

The 2014 Château Figeac had a tough act to follow coming after the 2015 yet it showed beautifully, with the finesse, elegance, and purity that’s the hallmark of the vintage. Black fruits, charcoal, truffle, and tobacco notes are all present in this nicely concentrated, medium to full-bodied Figeac which is beautifully balanced and long. Drink it anytime over the coming 20-25 years. 2018 - 2043

Shows cocoa and espresso edges along the core of dark currant and fig fruit, with lots of loamy depth on the finish. Notes of tobacco and warm stone are already emerging, but this will still need some time to muscle into harmony. Best from 2024 through 2037. 8,335 cases made.

A big, ample wine, the 2014 Figeac is bold and intense to the core. Black cherry, plum, smoke, new oak and licorice flesh out in a beautifully layered, resonant wine endowed with superb richness and power. The style is both modern and classic, with bold fruit and plenty of supporting structure. Mint, lavender, violets and cloves wrap around the powerful, structured finish. My sense is that the 2014 is going to require considerable cellaring. Today it is inward, tightly wound and massively tannic, with a level of explosive energy that should allow it to develop beautifully in the cellar. The blend is 40% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Cabernet Franc.

The aromas of blackcurrants and fresh forest floor are evocative. Oyster shells and stones. Turns to blackcurrants. Medium to full body and firm and silky tannins that are polished and coat your mouth. The palate is ever dense and concentrated. Needs four to five years to open but already a beautiful red.

The 2014 Figeac builds on its promise from barrel and delivers a very fulfilling bouquet with red plum, crushed strawberry, cedar and light graphite aromas that I suspect will close down for a period after bottling. (The bottle tasted at the château displayed a subtle incense aroma.) The palate is very well defined with a crisp line of acidity, sorbet fresh in the mouth and fanning out towards its structured, tensile finish. It is a great Figeac, a superb forerunner to the brilliant 2015 and it should not be underestimated. Chapeau winemaker Frédéric Faye and his team. Tasted twice (both in London and at the property) with consistent notes.