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Neal Martin, April 2025, Score: 93-95
The 2024 Figeac was picked September 20 to October 5 at 31 hl/ha after sorting, as the natural yield was 36 hl/ha. The château sacrificed 21% of the crop (which I witnessed first-hand when I called in during harvest and toured the reception) and it matured entirely in new oak with 8% vin de presse. That wood is neatly assimilated on the nose with blackberry, raspberry and light pine resin scents, all fashioned with wonderful delineation. Later, a hint of wilted rose petal emerges from the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and a keen line of acidity. This is very elegant and classical Figeac in style. There is a little more linearity, but this feels quite effortless overall. Its buvabilité is perhaps higher than other vintages, even if the likes of the 2020 or 2022 might have longer legs. This becomes spicier with aeration, which seems to prolong the finish, especially on my second visit toward the end of my tastings.
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Antonio Galloni, April 2025, Score: 93-96
Silky and aromatic, with velvety tannins, the 2024 Figeac is sublime. Floral and savory aromatics meld into a core of blue/purplish fruit, spice, licorice, lavender and menthol. All the elements are so well balanced. The blend is 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 28% Cabernet Franc, with 8% press wines. Not surprisingly, the 2024 is a very Cabernet-driven Figeac. Production is 60,000 bottles, or 50% of normal, because of low yields and further selection in the cellar. Tasted two times.
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Wine Advocate, April 2025, Score: 93-95
The 2024 Figeac is a lovely classic, wafting from the glass with aromas of blackcurrants, minty berries, licorice and pencil shavings, deftly framed by new oak. Medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety, with good depth at the core, powdery tannins and a suave, seamless profile, it's a blend of 33% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc and 39% Cabernet Sauvignon that attained 12.7% alcohol. Figeac was one of those estates that took the risk of waiting to harvest, rejecting just over 20% of the crop in the sorting process to produce a compelling wine despite the challenging conditions.
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James Suckling, May 2025, Score: 94-95
This is very refined with lovely tannins and freshness. Medium-bodied, it has a savory, juicy undertone and a satisfying finish. Some chocolate. A blend of 39% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 28% cabernet franc.
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Matthew Jukes, May 2025, Score: 19
Blandine de Brier Manoncourt kindly explained that a massive 21% of the fruit was eliminated from this wine after super-strict sorting and re-sorting were ruthlessly employed in the winery. The result is a stunning nose that acts as a fabulous welcome, followed by a velvety, succulent, super-complex, and enveloping palate. There is no dip, just relentlessly silky, mouth-filling fruit notes that romance the senses with elegance, length and coolness. In addition, the finish is not overtly tannic, just crisp and alert with its barely visible tannins and crystalline acidity. The Cabernet Sauvignon, in particular, has done a stellar job in straightening the whole wine up, giving it a fabulous length and control. Apparently, the signs of greatness were evident in the vineyards as the seeds were already ripe in August. All that was needed was a decent hang time to build complexity, and the conditions were favourable, albeit tense! The crew was patently aware of the phenolic perspective and potential here, and all that was required was patience. No fewer than 80 vineyard staff were on standby for harvest, and as these specialists come back to Figeac year after year, they are superbly well-drilled, amazingly reliable and precise. Their skill and dedication have paid off. In common with the other elite wines of this challenging vintage, the property’s hallmarks are telegraphed directly and unflinchingly throughout this wine, meaning Figeac’s incredible identity is plain. As Blandine says, “The identity of Figeac is to say hello to the pebbles and feel the air.” And it is overwhelmingly evident that she has helped rediscover and elevate the identity of this remarkable property. This is a spectacular wine.
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Jancis Robinson, April 2025, Score: 17
Spicy nose with a touch of vanilla oak. Lots of freshness. Sweet middle then structure and length, so confirmed Figeac character. Less depth but lovely touch of tannin. Should age and improve given the percentage of Cabernet. (JL)
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Goedhuis Waddesdon, April 2025, Score: 94-96
With almost equal parts of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, this embodies the very best of each variety in 2024. Opening flamboyantly with bilberry, mulberry and plummy Merlot flavours, which carry though into the secondary succulent juiciness. As the wine unfurls on the palate, we see the structural architecture from the Cabernet Sauvignon and its savoury intent, with dark energetic flavours of cassis and graphite and a long creamy finish.
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Jane Anson, April 2025, Score: 95
Vivid plum and ruby colour, clear ripe raspberry and damson fruits, sappy quality, fine tannins. The Cabernet Franc slowly unfurls its floral waves, violets and iris, with white flowers, savoury black fruits, good energy and length. Figeac has shown over and over again that it can deliver wines that succeed and delight in many different kinds of vintage conditions, and it is an estate to have confidence in. 31hl/ha yield, 100% new oak, 8% press, 3.66pH. 31hl/ha yield. They deleafed on both sides for the first time since technical director Romain Jean-Pierre arrived 13 years ago. Harvest September 20 to October 5.
