Figeac was one of the winners in the 2022 St-Emilion reclassification, and it now plays in the very top league. Premier Grand Cru Classe (A). It should probably have always been there, but never mind. It is one of the oldest properties in Bordeaux, with roots in the second century and the Roman Figeacus family. (I know that sounds like it comes from the Life of Brian, but it’s for real, and there are Gallo-Roman remains on the property). The Manoncourt family arrived in 1892, and remain here to this day. Like its neighbour Cheval Blanc, Figeac is sited on the Pomerol borders, and the deep gravel soils mean there is a lot of Cabernet in the vineyards; these are planted to a 40/40/20 blend of Merlot/Cabernet Franc/Cabernet Sauvignon, which in turn leads to an aromatic imprint in the final wine which sometimes evokes the left bank. However, the final blend is allowed to vary quite widely according to the strengths (or otherwise) of each vintage. 2021 saw the inauguration of a breathtaking new space-age new cellar, designed to make vinification (even) more precise. (NT 11/08/23)