Two of the greatest wines made in 2016, Château Figeac in St Emilion and Château La Conseillante in Pomerol, have both released this morning at £930 per 6 bottles IB.
Figeac has an unusually high proportion of gravel in its soils for St Emilion and Cabernet Sauvignon thrives here, making up 38% of the blend. The 2016 is the highest scoring Figeac ever. With 98-100 points awarded by Neal Martin this will be a serious contender for most in-demand wine of the vintage.
La Conseillante’s 12 hectares are in the heart of the Pomerol plateau next to Evangile, Vieux Chateau Certan and Petrus. Their 2016 has all the hallmarks of the vintage; fantastic purity, soft melting tannins, coupled with a degree or so less alcohol than 2015. Pure sensuality with a silky, velvety texture, this is a stunning Pomerol. 98-100/100 James Suckling.
Please let me know if you would like a case of either of these exceptional wines.
Ch Figeac 1er Grand Cru Classé St Emilion 2016
£930.00 per 6 bottles IB
2016 really played into the hands of this great estate, showing the very best of its Cabernet and Merlot vines. A blend of 36% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon and 26% Cabernet Franc, this is a hugely classy wine. Deep black cherry colour, a very full an unctuous wine, it is drenched in rich black cherry fruits. Dense and concentrated without excess, this has great Cabernet drive and intensity, with hints of Merlot-esque flamboyance. Quite simply delicious. Drink 2025-2040. 97-98 points, Goedhuis & Co
It has a crisp blackberry nose, a little closed at first, opening nicely in the glass and offering raspberry coulis, pencil box and subtle mint aromas-classic Figeac in many ways. The palate is extraordinarily well balanced with a fine lattice of tannin sculpted to perfection. There is a slight edginess to this Figeac that I adore, the Cabernets very expressive, more so than the 2015, with graphite infusing every pore of the black fruit. This Figeac has an outstanding structure and a saline finish that beckons you back for another sip. The 2015 Figeac was stunning and the 2016 no less. Tasted on four separate occasions, and in the end, only one (banded) score became inevitable. Drink Date 2026 – 2060. 98-100 points, Neal Martin
2016 keeps Figeac on the trajectory set out in recent vintages, and is proof once again that power does not have to mean sacrificing precision and juiciness if it is done right. This is a great wine, with purity and focus from the balanced black fruit delivery. You don’t feel anything drop through the palate – each element is held in suspension and it finishes strong with a mouthwatering flourish. 98 points, Jane Anson, Decanter
Ch La Conseillante Pomerol 2016
£930.00 per 6 bottles IB
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc. Under the precise and assiduous guidance of winemaker Marielle Cazaux, La Conseillante has produced a stellar wine this year. The fruit is held in a cold room for one night before sorting. This helps retain the natural freshness of the fruit flavours, and the characteristic floral notes of violets and peonies. Black fruit flavours soak the palate, highlighted with some liquorice spice and velvety tannins. Drink 2024-2036. 97-98 points, Goedhuis & Co
This has a succinct bouquet that is stylistically not that far removed from its neighbor Vieux Château Certan: detailed and understated at first with scents of blackberry, wild hedgerow and a touch of pressed flowers. The palate is very well balanced with a fine backbone, but what really marks out this La Conseillante is the salinity that comes through on the second half. It exerts a gentle grip in the mouth, reveals a little spiciness towards the finish whereupon it gently fans out, leaving a touch of black pepper on the saline aftertaste. This is a classic La Conseillante and the best since the majestic 2010. Similar to that vintage, it will require several years in bottle, but it will be well worth the wait. Drink Date 2023 – 2060. 96-98 points, Neal Martin
This is the greatest Conseillante in modern times. Full body and incredible tannins that are polished and velvety. The texture lasts for minutes. I am speechless. What a young and awe-inspiring wine! 99-100 points, James Suckling