The 2023 Figeac Bordeaux Blend from Saint Emilion, France, is garnering significant acclaim from wine critics. This wine, a blend of 41% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Franc, and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcases the classic characteristics of the region. It has a deep garnet-purple color and is sealed with a cork closure.
James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive 98 points, noting its "terrific density and finesse" with flavors of "blackberry, dark chocolate, walnut, and hazelnut" alongside "currant and sandalwood." He praises its full-bodied nature, velvet-textured tannins, and extremely long finish, describing it as "full-bodied and compact with a superb core."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it 98 points, calling it a "brilliant classic in the making." Reviewer William Kelley highlights its "aromas of cassis and mulberry mingled with notions of iris, cigar wrapper, pencil shavings, burning embers, and spices." Kelley appreciates its rich, layered profile with a "broad, atypically mineral finish."
A similar sentiment is echoed by Neal Martin of Vinous, who described it as a "wonderful Saint-Émilion that ranks amongst the best wines of the vintage," attributing a score of 98 points. Martin emphasizes its "very perfumed bouquet" and the vibrant blend of "red fruit rather than black, iris flower rather than violet."
Jane Anson, also awarding 98 points, commented on its "fragrant floral aromatics" and "vibrant juiciness," noting that it is the 130th vintage under the Manoncourt family’s ownership and the first as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A.
Decanter's review, which also rated it 98 points, praised its "high-toned aromatics" and "supple and succulent" texture, mentioning hints of "dark chocolate, liquorice, blueberry" along with its "high acidity" and "great lift and zing."
Jeff Leve's review on The Wine Cellar Insider gave it 99 points, noting its "quintessential definition of elegance" and the "medium-bodied, silky, energetic backdrop for all of the black cherries."
Jeb Dunnuck rated the wine 97 points, commending its "remarkable sense of purity and precision" and its "fine-grained tannins and a gorgeous finish."
Finally, Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent rated it 98 points, highlighting its "rock-solid structure" and "long-lingering mineral firework display."
Overall, the 2023 Figeac Bordeaux Blend is highly regarded, with remarkable reviews praising its complexity, elegance, and depth.