Château Yon-Figeac is one of the larger Grand Cru Classe rated vineyard sites in Saint-Émilion, boasting an impressive 24 hectares. Controversially declassified in 2006 and reinstated in 2008.
The wines of Château Yon-Figeac are soft and silky with an elegance that suggests they are best consumed within a decade of the vintage. In the early 2000s the estate was tipped to improve its quality and become one of the value wines of the appellation and in many respects this has happened; the main wine still sells for around €25. In recent years much of the Cabernet Sauvingon has been replanted with Merlot which has had an important effect. With 80% Merlot in the blend, the Chateau Yon-Figeac is far more typical of Saint-Émilion than in previous decades. Harvests are done by hand, fermentation takes place in stainless steel. Maturation is typically carried out in 40% new oak. Today the property is part of the Loire Valley company Vignobles Alain Château, which also owns Chateau Belle Rive, Chateau de la Guimonière and Chateau de Varennes.
