100pts Decanter

The 2016 Figeac reveals itself to a stunning wine from the very first whiff, such is its aromatic precision and vivacity, offering a cavalcade of scents including cedar, menthol, crunchy black fruits including blackcurrant along with a touch of truffles and pepper as well as other spices. On the palate, the wine asserts itself with a powerful, upright structure without any heaviness whatsoever, as the tannic framework is so finely drawn and elegantly proportioned. Its expression is certainly less exuberant than that of its 2018 counterpart, but this wine is a paragon of precision as well as of thoroughbred poise and energy. This is an immense Figeac of true grandeur that will stay the distance for up to five decades while giving precocious pleasure to impatient enthusiasts.

100pts Vinous

The 2016 Figeac was bottled at the end of July 2018, since Frédéric Faye wanted to give the wine more time in barrel to develop more harmony. The stunning 24-carat bouquet rivets you to the spot with brilliant delineation and mineral-rich red fruit that articulates its terroir as well as any Right Bank you will find. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannin, perfect acidity, wonderfully integrated new oak and enormous depth toward the fresh, pencil-box- and cedar-infused finish. This is a classic Figeac, up there with the 1947 and 1949, both recently re-tasted and testifying to a wine that genuinely belongs among the elite Saint-Émilions. Faye believes it is the best Figeac he has ever made. He is correct.

99pts James Suckling

Incredibly deep and complex nose with a slew of black fruit, plus savory and bitter-chocolate notes woven subtly into the extraordinary tapestry of aromas. Titanic concentration, but it still remains so incredibly fresh and poised. Such a pure finish that goes on and on and on. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

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.

98pts The Wine Independent

The 2016 Figeac is composed of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, and 26% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, it needs a lot of swirling to slowly coax out the powerful nose of creme de cassis, Morello cherries, and blueberry preserves, followed by hints of dried roses, clove oil, licorice, and dark chocolate with wafts of truffles and iron ore. The medium to full-bodied palate is a relative behemoth in terms of structure and intensity but not weight, delivering a rock-solid foundation of super-firm, super-ripe tannins and just enough freshness to support the dense, muscular fruit, finishing very long and with tons of earth and mineral sparks. (LPB)

97pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 Figeac is comprised of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 26% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose is a little broody and reticent at this very youthful stage, slowly unfolding to reveal profound plum preserves, crème de cassis, black raspberries and star anise with hints of moss-covered bark, truffles and tilled loam plus a waft of red currants and raspberry leaves sparks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is practically quivering with energy, offering glimpses at tightly wound black fruit and mineral/ferrous layers, framed by very firm, ripe tannins and wonderful tension, finishing long with the spices coming through. This will need a good 7-8 years to come round and then should cellar for 40+ years. Very serious, beautifully poised and sophisticated personality this vintage. (LPB) 97+

Jancis Robinson

Very deep crimson. Quite sweet, rich and charred. Rather glorious, luxurious fruit in beautiful harmony. Ch Cheval Blanc? Super-appetising even if not big. Dry finish. Subtle. 19/20 points (JR)