Château Figeac 2017

Little was made of this terrific Saint Emilion – spring frosts meant yields were down to 22 hectolitres per hectare, half the normal. It certainly makes up for scarcity in quality, as Wine Advocate's and James Suckling's 95 Points both confirm. The frost hit Merlot and Cabernet Franc worst and the upside was that Cabernet Sauvignon performed very well, hence the outstanding quality of this claret, aged in pure new oak. Vinous wrote, "Beautifully layered and exquisite in the glass, the 2017 possesses remarkable balance and harmony from the very first taste", while Wine Advocate declared, "wonderful vibrancy with a refreshing line cutting through the crunchy black fruits and a firm, finely grained frame, finishing long and spicy."