Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (100)

Love this vintage of Figeac, and it is fully delivering at the ten year point, still teetering on the edge of its mature drinking window. Brambled fleshy black fruits, firm tannins, edge of cocoa, incense, steel and mandarin peel, grip and length. Great quality. Harvest September 21 to October 15, 100% new oak for ageing. Romain Jean-Pierre technical director, Frederic Faye managing director.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Another brilliant wine from the genius of Frédéric Faye, the 2016 Château Figeac checks in as 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in new French oak. Roughly 75% of the production made it into the grand vin. This deeply colored beauty is a legendary wine in the making and offers ultra-pure aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, truffle, and graphite. Showing more violets notes with time in the glass, it builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance as well as incredible elegance, no hard edges, and a finish that won't quit. Readers will have a blast comparing the 2016 and 2015 vintages over the coming 3-4 decades and this estate is firing on all cylinders. This will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 7-8 years and keep for 4 decades or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

Another brilliant wine from the genius of Frédéric Faye, the 2016 Château Figeac checks in as 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc that spent 19 months in new French oak. Roughly 75% of the production made it into the grand vin. This deeply colored beauty is a legendary wine in the making and offers ultra-pure aromas and flavors of crème de cassis, smoke tobacco, dried herbs, chocolate, truffle, and graphite. Showing more violets notes with time in the glass, it builds incrementally on the palate, with flawless balance as well as incredible elegance, no hard edges, and a finish that won't quit. Readers will have a blast comparing the 2016 and 2015 vintages over the coming 3-4 decades and this estate is firing on all cylinders. This will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 7-8 years and keep for 4 decades or more.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2017 Figeac is outrageously beautiful. Rich, deep and ample, the 2017 soars out of the glass with vertical intensity and explosive power. The flavors are just pulsing with energy. Time in the glass brings out a captivating range of lavender, spice, mint and rose petal overtones. The 2017 Figeac is a towering achievement from Technical Director Frédéric Faye and his team. When Michel Rolland was appointed consulting winemaker some years back, many feared the personality of Figeac would be lost. It is impossible for an outsider to truly know how small or large the impact of a single person is, but Figeac has indisputably been one of the very finest wines of the Right Bank over these last few years. The 2017 is a real "wow" wine; don't miss it.

Wine Enthusiast (100)

With its rich swathe of Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has density and immense structure balanced by stunning black fruits that give impressive promise. This powerful wine is probably the greatest ever produced from this estate. Drink from 2027.

The Wine Independent (100)

Composed of 36% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot, the 2019 Figeac is deep garnet-purple colored. It needs considerable swirling to coax out its alluring perfume of redcurrant jelly, juicy blackcurrants, and blackberries, with underlying suggestions of candied violets, chocolate box, fragrant earth, and lavender plus a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a mind-blowing array of layers with exceptionally ripe, fine-grained tannins and jaw-dropping tension, leading to a fantastically persistent mineral and floral-tinged finish that makes your heart stop. With its energy, structure, and incredible depth, truly, this is a towering triumph.

James Suckling (100)

A mesmerizing nose here with flowers such as violets and red roses, then shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonized with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Flavors of perfectly ripened fruit (al dente) with a hazelnut character that comes from the seeds. Incredibly transparent young red. Breathtaking. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2028 and onwards. Magnificent.

James Suckling (100)

A mesmerizing nose here with flowers such as violets and red roses, then shows cherries and currants with some mineral and black truffles. Full-bodied yet so refined and harmonized with ultra-fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Flavors of perfectly ripened fruit (al dente) with a hazelnut character that comes from the seeds. Incredibly transparent young red. Breathtaking. 37% merlot, 32% cabernet franc and 31% cabernet sauvignon. Drink after 2028 and onwards. Magnificent.

Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (97)

Lovely aromatics right off the bat, good spice, white peppers, touches of savoury cassis. This 71% mix of the two Cabernets is the highest ever at Figeac, and you feel it in this savoury, rosebud, leafy character to the palate, brilliantly handled and one of the wines of the vintage. This delivers careful balance, sculpted fruits, with a juicy finish. 100% new oak. Romain Jean-Pierre technical director. 38hl/h yield, harvest September 21 to October 19 (with a three week gap between Merlot and Cabernet). 3.65ph. First vintage with the new cellar. 70% production into Figeac, 8% press wine. Tasted twice, excellent quality.

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Figeac is one of the wines of the vintage. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of dark berries and cassis mingled with hints of violet, pencil lead, mint and cigar wrapper, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with striking intensity and sweetness of fruit married with unerring precision and energy, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Abundant but exquisitely filigreed tannins lend a sense of classicism and proportion to a wine that might otherwise be flamboyant. As I wrote from barrel, it's the quintessential Figeac, testament to the late Thierry Manoncourt's vision to plant such a large proportion of Cabernet, and on drought-resistant rootstocks. Such is the inherent complexity of Figeac's terroirs that harvest took place sub-block by sub-block between September 1st and 25th. Could the result be a contemporary version of the estate's magical 1949?

Wine Advocate (100)

The 2022 Figeac is one of the wines of the vintage. Unfurling in the glass with a deep and complex bouquet of dark berries and cassis mingled with hints of violet, pencil lead, mint and cigar wrapper, it's medium to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, with striking intensity and sweetness of fruit married with unerring precision and energy, concluding with a long, penetrating finish. Abundant but exquisitely filigreed tannins lend a sense of classicism and proportion to a wine that might otherwise be flamboyant. As I wrote from barrel, it's the quintessential Figeac, testament to the late Thierry Manoncourt's vision to plant such a large proportion of Cabernet, and on drought-resistant rootstocks. Such is the inherent complexity of Figeac's terroirs that harvest took place sub-block by sub-block between September 1st and 25th. Could the result be a contemporary version of the estate's magical 1949?

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2023 Figeac is outrageously great. Dark, layered and explosive in the glass, the 2023 possesses mind-blowing intensity and pure power. Hints of lavender, crème de cassis, sage, menthol, spice box and pipe tobacco soar from the glass. Brisk acids and vibrant saline notes frame the close. All the elements are so artfully woven together. Absolutely nothing is out of place. Figeac is very clearly one of the wines of the vintage, The 2023 is also one of the finest wines ever made here. Merlots were picked starting September 6, while the Cabernets were harvested from September 26 to October 5, a very late finish. General Manager Frédéric Faye and his team turned out an extraordinary wine. Tasted two times.

Nikolas Krankl, son of Manfred Krankl who founded cult sensation Sine Qua Non looks set to further the family business. Together with his wife Julia, Nikolas founded Fingers Crossed in 2017 using fruit from the vineyards of Sine Qua Non, amongst others. Like Sine Qua Non, Nikolas works with Rhône varietals, crafting enchanting Rhone blends that have won strong accolades from critics from the get to.

The Assortment case contains an equal mix of the estate Syrah and Grenache, reviews of which are as follows:

Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Syrah 2021

96-98 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent)

'The 2021 Unanswered Prayers Syrah comes mainly from Bien Nacido Vineyard, plus smaller proportions from Rancho Boa Vista, and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. It is composed of 83% Syrah with 4.7% Grenache, 4.7% Mourvèdre, 4.7% Petite Sirah, and 2.9% of the White Wine (Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Marsanne). It was made using 35% whole clusters and aged for 20 months in French oak, 63% new. Deep purple-black colored, it explodes with vibrant notes of juicy blackberries, fresh raspberries, and ripe plums, giving way to hints of tar, violets, licorice, and cracked black peppercorns. The palate is big, powerful, full-bodied, yet very bright, pure, and light on its feet. With a solid frame of velvety tannins, it finishes long and fragrant. This was bottled in July 2023. 437 cases were produced.'

95-97 points | Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate)

'I tasted the 2021 Syrah Unanswered Prayers on July 7, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. It comes from the Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. The blend includes 4.7% Grenache, 4.7% Mourvèdre, 4.7% Petite Sirah and 2.9% white wine. It was vinified using 35% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 63% new French oak. Opaque ruby-purple, it's bursting with youthfully broody scents of blueberry preserves, blackcurrant, lavender, tar, game meats and peppermint patty. Full-bodied, powerful yet balanced, the palate features concentrated floral fruit, detailed, velvety tannins and seamless acidity that carries on through the shimmery finish. 437 cases are projected.'

Fingers Crossed Unanswered Prayers Grenache 2021

97-99 points | Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent)

'The 2021 Unanswered Prayers Grenache comes from Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards. The composition is 76.5% Grenache with 11.3% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah, and a 2.7% splash of the White Wine (Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Marsanne) from this year. It was made with 42% whole clusters and aged 20 months in French oak, 38% new. Opaque purple-black colored, it leaps with bold notes of black cherries, black raspberries, and lilacs with nuances of tar, wild sage, and lavender. The bright, shimmery, full-bodied palate is laden with crunchy black fruits, textured by silky-soft tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long with loads of floral and red berry sparks. This was bottled in July 2023. 438 cases were made.'

94-96 points | Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate)

'I tasted the 2021 Grenache Unanswered Prayers on July 7th, 2023, a few days before it was due to be bottled. Grapes were sourced from Bien Nacido, Rancho Boa Vista and Sanford & Benedict Vineyards, and the Grenache is blended with 11.3% Syrah, 5.5% Mourvèdre, 4% Petite Sirah and 2.7% white wine. It was vinified with 42% whole clusters and matured for 20 months in 38% new French oak. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it has pure, detailed aromas of wild berry jam, oolong and bergamot tea leaves, damp earth and bark. The medium-bodied palate is seamless, silky and light on its feet, boasting generously floral fruit and a long, graphite-driven finish. Broody yet delicate, it blossoms gloriously as it spends time in the glass, hinting at dynamic development once in bottle. 438 cases are projected.'

James Suckling (95-96)

Vivid and lively with blackberries, earth and some flowers. It’s full and layered with tannins that spread across the palate. Broader form to this young Bordeaux. Lots of tannins at the end.

Andreas Larsson (95)

I must say that I was quite excited to taste the Champagne that everybody talked about, but no one tasted yet. A great reunion with my old friend, Rodolphe Péters whose champagne making skills are nothing less than exceptional. A ground-breaking style that blends Chardonnay from Côte de Blancs of which one part is the actual vintage, one part reserve wines and one part mature wines from bottle. The rosé part being Pinot Noir from Vertus made as a rosé de saignée blended just before bottling to keep the notion of youthful red fruity freshness. It shows a very gentle bright rosé colour and a vivid mousse with fine bubbles. The nose starts out elegantly – layered and nuanced with chalky notes, fresh hazelnut, marzipan, fresh butter, pink citrus and lemongrass. After some time in the glass the Pinot enters with aromas of crushed raspberry, cherry and pain d´épice. The palate is nicely built, showing great flavour intensity and an invigorating freshness. It´s classically bone dry (4,5 grams of dosage) with a chalky presence, balanced by a mellow creaminess. Flavours of marzipan, confit de citron and peach with layers of mature nuttiness and pastry. Elegantly built with great persistency and precision. Drinks truly well today but should certainly improve from further cellaring.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (88-91)

Real powerful black purple. Brutally concentrated nose. Much firmer tannins, black fruit, a little less acidity, built more around the tannic structure. Powerful stuff but not unbalanced. Tasted: October 2021

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (89-92)

The first to be picked, which is unusual. A mid crimson colour with some dark raspberry and plum fruit, showing a bit more than the Chapitre. A succulent rich raspberry fruit on the palate., some tannins but nicely interwoven. The two Aloxe 1ers Crus seem to have traded places this year, and for once I have a clear preference for the Vercots. Drink from 2027-2032. Tasted: October 2023.

Vinous (88-90)

The 2022 Aloxe-Corton Village was partially affected by hail and is the only cuvée to include whole bunches, which works well on the nose and has more freshness than the Pernand-Vergelesses Les Fichets. The palate is medium-bodied with blackberry and raspberry fruit, fine tannins, and good tension on the finish. Delightful.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (88-90)

A blend of Boulmeau and La Toppe Martenot, east and south facing respectively. A dense central crimson purple. An opulent cherry fruit on the nose. Fully ripe fruit on the palate but even and quite generous, with adequate acidity and the tannins are not aggressive, quite persistent. Drink from 2028-2030. Tasted Oct 2024.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Derived from lieu-dit Charlemagne, the 2019 Corton Grand Cru reveals aromas of sweet red berries, woodsmoke, raw cocoa and peonies. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and fine-boned, it's pure and precise, with a more ethereal profile than the richer, more soil-driven Aloxe-Corton premiers crus that preceded it.

Vinous (93-95)

The 2022 Corton Grand Cru comes from a parcel within the lieu-dit of Le Charlemagne. It has quite a serious bouquet, tightly wound. This will need time to open but is extremely well-defined with a sense of Pinot classicism. It doesn't sing 'n dance. The palate is well-balanced, the 25% new oak seamlessly integrated, building discretely towards the beautifully poised finish. This Corton might be easily overlooked, but for me, it epitomizes how far this Grand Cru has improved in recent years. Wonderful.

Wine Advocate (92-94)

Aromas of cherries, raspberries, warm spices and loamy soil introduce the 2019 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru, a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy wine that's enveloping and gourmand, structured around ripe tannins and succulent acids. Like the Romanée-Saint-Vivant, this is sourced from the Poisot family.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (88-91)

From Le Charlemagne. Rich dense purple with quite a powerful weight of fruit but verging on the cooked plums. Good oak, quite suave, not at all ugly at the finish, but a riper style of fruit than the ideal. Tasted: October 2021

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)

The 2019 Fombrauge is one of the best wines I have tasted from this property in some time. It shows all the richness that is typical of Bernard Magrez's style but with less heaviness and a good deal of aromatic presence that helps balance things out. Sweet dark cherry, chocolate, leather, licorice and mocha build into the resonant, super-expressive finish. The 2019 is a classy Fombrauge.

James Suckling (92-93)

Perfumed and fresh with flowers, such as lavender and violets. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that are layered and refined in texture.