At a glance

Producer

Château-Figeac

Region

St Émilion, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$170-$220

Tasting profile

Dense dark fruit (blackcurrant, plum), graphite notes, cedar, hints of tobacco and earthiness

Evolution: Will integrate tertiary flavors such as leather, truffle, and forest floor after 8-12 years

At peak: Complex, silky with resolved tannins, layered with nuanced secondary aromas and persistent finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, balanced

Tannins

Firm and well-structured, fine-grained

Alcohol

13.5-14.0%

Aging potential

Excellent - capable of aging gracefully for 20+ years, potentially up to 25 years or more in good cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2033 to 2053

Optimal window

2028 to 2056

Current status

Young, starting to open

Current condition

Tight tannins, fresh acidity, primary fruit dominant with evident aging potential

The 2021 vintage at Château-Figeac, a Premier Grand Cru Classé Saint-Émilion, offers excellent fruit concentration and firm tannins typical of a structured Bordelais blend. The high-quality terroir and meticulous viticulture allow for a long maturation trajectory. Given the top-tier classification and producer reputation, this wine’s drinking window extends 30+ years from vintage, with peak drinking beginning approximately 7 years post-bottling.

Food pairing

Pairs well with hearty dishes such as roast lamb, beef bourguignon, game meats, mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow complex aromas to develop

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Utilizes eco-friendly vineyard management including cover crops to improve soil health, reduced phytosanitary treatments, laser leaf thinning, water-efficient irrigation practices, and energy-efficient winery operations

Château-Figeac is committed to sustainable viticulture recognized at a high regional certification level (HVE 3) emphasizing reduced chemical inputs and biodiversity preservation. While not fully organic or biodynamic, the estate makes significant efforts toward minimizing environmental impact through water conservation and energy efficiency. Carbon footprint is typical for Bordeaux premium wines with international distribution. Overall, it rates above average for sustainability among Bordeaux estates.