Chateau Figeac 2009

JAMES SUCKLING: "Even in this super-ripe vintage Figeac retains its usual red bell pepper aroma (from the cabernet sauvignon grape) and that adds a light touch to the opulent fruit cake and spice character. The full fine tannins beautifully support the rich palate and make the finish very long and plush. A great 2009!"

WEINWISSER: "Tiefes Purpur. Warmes, malziges Bouquet, Edelhölzer, Zedern, Pflaumen, völlig harmonisch mit einer reifen Cabernet-Note unterlegt. Am Gaumen ein Weintraum, Malz, Hustenbonbons, seidige Tannine, zarte, cremige Fülle, sehr sublim bis zum langen, gebündelten Finale. Wer sich darüber aufregt, dass alle Premiers so teuer sind, der kauft sich am besten hiervon ein paar Flaschen «en primeur» – und erhält bei der Auslieferung in zwei Jahren einen der allerbesten Figeacs."

DECANTER: "This is delicious, with grilled cedar, cassis, blackberry and black pepper spice to the fore. For me it is the 2010 that is standing out in this tasting, but that's not always the case because the 2009 vintage is so seductive right now, as a general rule. This is a wine with huge complexity and clear ageing ability. Tasting it together with the 2010 shows that these are both exceptional vintages doing what exceptional vintages do; bring a room alive, because everyone present wants to share their good fortune."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "A ripe year like 2009 is kind to the Cabernet Sauvignon of Château Figeac. The wine is perfumed with new wood and sweet fruits, delicious black currant flavors giving both ripeness and freshness. The wine has weight and impressive density. A star of the vintage."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Distinctive, with atypical (for St.-Emilion) force and drive to the black currant, roasted cedar and maduro tobacco flavors, which are supported by a dense, loam-tinged structure. Terrific roasted espresso, ganache and fig paste notes wait in reserve. Very muscular, but with the cut for balance. Best from 2017 through 2035. 9,200 cases made."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The 2009 Château Figeac is the normal blend of close to equal parts Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a beautiful wine that has classic Figeac style, yet is more reserved and backward than most in the vintage. Forest floor, truffle, blackcurrants, cigar ash and green tobacco notes all emerge from this full-bodied, ripe, yet pure, elegant Saint-Emilion that has good acidity and plenty of length. The tannins are ripe, yet firm, it’s nicely balanced, and it blossoms with time in the glass. Nevertheless, it needs another 4-5 years of cellaring to hit prime time, and it should keep for 2-3 decades."

FALSTAFF: "Zart kräuterwürzig unterlegtes dunkles Beerenkonfit, zart nach Dörrobst, rauchige Mineralik. Saftige Kirschenfrucht, gut integrierte, tragende Tannine, extraktsüßer Kern, reife Zwetschkenfrucht im Abgang, gutes Entwicklungspotenzial."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The medium garnet colored 2009 Figeac features a very pretty perfume of rose hip tea, lilacs and cinnamon stick over a core of red and black currant preserves plus hints of dried herbs and sweaty saddles. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of savory fruit layers with plenty of floral sparks, framed by rounded tannins, finishing on a earthy note."