Château Figeac is a wine estate in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux. It is the largest estate in Saint-Émilion, with 40 hectares (99 acres) of vineyards. Due to its soil, which is dominated by gravel, it is planted in grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Cabernet Franc (35%), and Merlot (30%). Most other Saint-Émilion wines are dominated by Merlot, and Figeac therefore bears a certain semblance to the wines of Médoc and Graves despite being situated on Bordeaux's right bank. The wine, which is one of the most famous of Saint-Émilion, is aged in 100% new oak barrels.
Château Figeac wine carries the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé (Class B) in the official Classification of Saint-Émilion wine.
From 1945 to 2011, the estate produced a second wine named La Grange Neuve de Figeac and since 2006 a special wine named Petit-Figeac. From the 2012 vintage, Petit-Figeac became the single second wine of Figeac.
Château Figeac originates from an ancient estate that traces its roots back to the 2nd century, when a Gallo-Roman villa was built on the estate and named after a Figeacus. In the late 18th century, the property was close to 200 hectares (490 acres) in size, but was sold and subdivided several times in the 19th century until 1892, when Henri de Chevremont bought it. Henriette, the daughter of de Chevremont, married André Villepigue and became the owner of Figeac. The estate was managed by Alfred Maquin, as the Villepigues lived in Paris. In 1905, their son Robert Villepigue took over the running of the estate. After Henriette's death in 1942, it was unclear if Robert Villepigue or his sister Ada Elizabeth (who had married Antoine Manoncourt) would inherit the estate, but in 1946 it passed to Ada Elizabeth Manoncourt.
In January 1947, Thierry Manoncourt (son of Antoine and Ada Elizabeth Manoncourt) took over the running of Château Figeac, and it was under his leadership that the estate rose to the front ranks of Saint-Émilion estates. He continued to run or be actively involved with the estate until his death in 2010, although his son-in-law Comte Eric d'Aramon took over the daily running of the estate in the 1980s.
Château Figeac wine should not be confused with those from the unrelated 'Château La Tour Figeac'. These wines are also produced in St-Émilion but carry only the rank of 'Grand Cru Classé'.
Château Figeac wines should also not be confused with those from the unrelated Château La Tour du Pin Figeac. These wines are also produced in St-Émilion but are currently unclassified, having lost 'Grand Cru Classé' status in 2006.
In all there are 151 châteaux in France with Figeac in their names. Several of the other St-Émilion estates with Figeac as part their names result from the 19th century subdivision of the old Figeac estate.
31st Aug 2016
Neal Martin
95
Tasted at the Château Figeac vertical at the property and then in Bordeaux a year later. The 2010 Figeac was a "problem child" in its youth, very variable and difficult to pin down, vexing on occasion. Now with a couple of years in bottle, it is really beginning to show what it can do and it far surpassed my expectations. Certainly, it is more withdrawn on the nose compared to the more generous 2009 Figeac. The aromatics are holding everything back. Then, with continued aeration it reveals a subtle marine influence—seaweed and sea spray scents, estuary mudflats. The palate is medium-bodied with moderate depth, but what really distinguishes this wine are the fineness of the tannin, the symmetry of the structure and freshness on the finish, facets hitherto kept secret. As such, it surpasses the 2009, the weightless but intense finish beckoning you to take another sip. The aromatics need to up their game and match what's evolving on the palate—if they do, this will be a very serious Figeac. Tasted July 2016.
Mar 31, 2013
JM
96
This is very tight, showing a prominent roasted apple wood and bittersweet cocoa frame more today, though the core of dense currant paste, blackberry pâte de fruit and plum sauce waits in reserve. Gorgeous singed spice, anise and toasted fig bread notes flitter through the finish, though this needs some time in the cellar to resolve itself fully. A very distinctive, structured expression of St.-Emilion. Best from 2016 through 2035. 7,500 cases made.
February 13, 2017
James Suckling
98
Intense aromas of wet earth, leaves, sweet berries and cinnamon follow through to a full body, velvety and dense tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Opulent style. Just opening now, but this shows lots of stuffing, even if it does tighten down on the palate. Integrated and fine. Drink or hold.
