The 2021 vintage of Château Figeac is widely regarded as one of the standout wines of the challenging 2021 Bordeaux vintage. Its high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (40% and 31%, respectively) gave it freshness, structure, and precision that excelled in a cool growing season. It was also the first vintage produced in the château's new winery.
| Critic |
Rating |
Comments |
| Decanter |
97 |
Called it "deep, complex and precise," highlighting crystalline fruit, wet-stone minerality, and exceptional elegance. |
| Wine Enthusiast |
97 |
Praised its balance and longevity. |
| Robert Parker Wine Advocate (William Kelley) |
96+ |
Described it as one of the Right Bank highlights with blackberry, cassis, violets, cigar wrapper, and a long saline finish. |
| Jeb Dunnuck |
95 |
"Pure class" with currant, tobacco, lead pencil, violet, and the ability to age for two decades. |
| James Suckling |
95 |
Graphite, plum, berries, dried flowers, firm integrated tannins. Recommends drinking after 2027. |
| Antonio Galloni / Vinous |
94 |
Elegant and polished, with dark cherry, leather, tobacco, spice, and lavender; approachable earlier than top vintages. |
| Neal Martin / Vinous |
94 |
Praised its purity, wild strawberry, tobacco, and refreshing, composed finish. |
| Jane Anson |
97 |
Called it one of the wines of the vintage, praising its Cabernet Franc character, smoke, iris, violets, and restrained extraction. |
Overall consensus
- Critical range: 94–97 points, with most leading critics scoring 95–97.
- Considered among the best Saint-Émilions of 2021 despite the vintage's challenges.
- The Cabernet-driven blend gave the wine unusual freshness, aromatic complexity, and precision for the year.
- Expected drinking window: 2027–2050+, with some critics suggesting it will comfortably evolve into the 2050s.
For collectors, the 2021 is generally viewed as a classic, elegant Figeac rather than a blockbuster. While it may not equal the monumental 2019 or 2020 vintages in power, many critics believe it is one of the most successful expressions of the vintage and a benchmark for finesse and age-worthy balance.
James Suckling 95 Points
This wine has beautiful aromas of graphite with plums, berries and some dried flowers. Medium-bodied with juicy fruit and an iron and chocolate undertone. Firm and integrated tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Serious for the vintage, it needs to come around with bottle age. First year in the new winery. Best after 2027.
Wine Enthusiast 96 Points
95–97. Barrel Sample. The wine is fresh with a fine structure from the 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc in the blend. It is a structured wine, light while also showing ripe black currant fruits and an edge of spice. With its fine acidity at the end, this is an excellent reflection of the year. Roger Voss
