As part of Walla Walla Wine Month, we share one of the legendary producers of Washington. A Walla Walla native, Chris Figgins is one of the great talents of the Pacific Northwest. What was originally a wheat farm, the 32 acre vineyard was first planted in 2004 and plays host to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Originally Figgins Estate only made two wines each year, a Riesling and a Red Blend and last year they produced their first ‘Figlia’ as a tribute to Chris’s two daughters. The ‘Figlia’ really showcases the magic of Petit Verdot, a varietal that when done right can truly rival anything in the state. The Figgins Estate Vineyard is an incredible property that has sweeping views of the the Walla Walla Valley. Set at 1750 feet this great vineyard experiences massive diurnal shifts. The first vintage was 2008 and the wines from the vineyard just get better and better.
Chris Figgins makes one of the best Riesling wines in Washington, and his 2019 Figgins Estate Riesling (WWB, 93) is a ‘Trocken’ style wine that has seriously good texture, reminiscent of a great Rheingau Grosses Gewachs. This wine has great cellaring potential. Even better is the incredible new 2017 Figgins Family ‘Figlia’ Red Wine (WWB, 95) which is unlike anything made in the state with its incredible power and herbal tones from the Petit Verdot. This massive wine will cellar well for decades to come. Learn more about these beautiful wines at http://www.figginswine.com Here are the stunning new wines by Figgins Estate.
2019 FIGGINS Riesling- Showing off its golden hue once in the glass, the outstanding, ‘Trocken style’ 2019 FIGGINS Riesling opens with bright Gala apple and shades of apricot and wet stone that all take shape in the glass. The freshness and soft texture of the wine is truly wonderful. Layers of green apple and peach pit brilliantly meld with minerals and suggestions of kumquat zest on the palate. This finishes long with minerals and lemon cream. Glorious to enjoy in its nascent phase, the 2019 FIGGINS Riesling has both the brightness and weight to cellar well for another decade. Drink 2020-2028- 93
2017 FIGGINS ‘Figlia’ Red Wine- Dedicated to Chris Figgins’s two daughters, the ‘Figlia’ is a massive blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot that is unlike anything produced in the state. Aged for twenty three months in French oak, this pitch dark wine starts off with lighter green bell pepper and sage tones that combine with toasty oak and a deep core of dark fruits that all sing in unison. Marvelously textured, with a wonderful weight and intensity, the wine shows off layers of creme de cassis, black olive tapenade, black cherry cordial and shades of anise that all create a seamless effect once on the mouth. The long and generous finish accentuates this beautiful new bottling. While marvelous to savor in its youth, the 2017 ‘Figlia’ will have a long life ahead of it. Be sure to give this at least a two hour decant if you can’t resist this wine for a few years. Drink 2022-2040- 95