Chateau Yon Figeac 2020 St Emilion Grand Cru

"The 2020 Yon-Figeac has a lifted, slightly floral bouquet that complement that brambly red fruit mixed with cedar and tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied with a lactic entry, fleshy and candied, graphite notes emerging towards its cohesive finish. Fine." 89pts, Neal Martin (December 2022), Vinous

Chateau Yon-Figeac dates back to the summer of June 1881. As you can imagine from the name, Yon-Figeac was once a part of the massive Chateau Figeac estate, which gave birth to numerous St. Emilion estates that now bear the name of Figeac, as part of their name.

Chateau Yon-Figeac is owned  Alain Castle, who also owns property in the Loire Valley region. Alain Castle purchased Chateau Yon-Figeac in 2005 from the Germain family who owned the vineyard since 1985 when it was purchased by Bernard Germain.

The 25 hectare St. Emilion vineyard of Chateau Yon-Figeac is planted to 86% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. Yon Figeac has the distinction of being one of the largest vineyards in the Right Bankthat is in one, large single parcel. The terroir is sand, clay, and iron deposits. The vines are old at an average age of 35 years of age. Once the new owners took over, they began to add some Petit Verdot vines to the vineyard mix and increased the amount of Merlot as well, while decreasing the portion of Cabernet Franc.

To produce the wine of Chateau Yon-Figeac, vinification takes place in temperature-controlled, stainless steel vats. On average, the wines are aged in 35% new, French oak barrels for between 12 to 14 months, depending on the quality and character of the vintage.