ABOUT THE WINE An ancient vineyard, named after its Gallo-Roman owners, the Figeacus family, the Figeac estate has been continually occupied and farmed for at least two thousand years. The terroir is very special indeed, a large part of the original 200-hectare estate was sold off during the 18th Century to the Ducasse family to become Chateau Cheval Blanc, and other sections contribute to some of the finest estates in the appellation. The 42-hectare vineyard that remains contains vines over 100 years of age, with an unusually high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon planted.
TASTING NOTES A supple, expressive wine laced with sweet dark cherry, plum, tobacco, mint, liquorice and leather. Open and accessible, this is a delightful, Cabernet-dominated second-wine.
FOOD PAIRING Roast beef, veal and venison. Steak pies. Beef daubes, ox cheek and other stews cooked in red wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS Petit Figeac may lack the longevity of the grand vin, but serves up a greater generosity of fruit and an earlier-drinking style.
ABOUT THE WINE Sold as Baron Saint Julien during the 18th Century when under the ownership of the Baron de Brane, Lagrange dates back to the middle ages, with definitive documentation going back to 1631. Originally one of the largest estates in the region, over the centuries Lagrange saw significant reductions in vineyard area, as plots were sold off to cover debts accrued by its owners. In 1983 the estate was purchased by the Japanese Suntory company, which proceeded to invest heavily in renovation and modernisation. A proportion of Petit Verdot was planted in 1988, white grapes were added in 1996; and the wines saw significant improvement, culminating in a number of exceptional vintages beginning in the year 2000.
TASTING NOTES Cherry blackcurrant, liquorice and pepper; cool and elegant with a rich, spicy undertone that will carry the wine for further decades.
FOOD PAIRING Ideal with pork dishes, which will not diminish the elegance of the wine.
FRIARWOOD SAYS Produced from vines with an average age of 32 years.