Chateau Larcis Ducasse St. Emilion Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Larcis Ducasse, St. Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classe B with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Larcis Ducasse History, Overview

Chateau Larcis Ducasse had its birth during the days of the ancient Romans who valued the best hillside vineyards in the area. The early part of the modern era for Larcis Ducasse begins in 1893 when Henri Raba bought the Saint Emilion vineyard.

After Henri Raba passed away in 1925, his wife and son Andre Raba continued managing Larcis Ducasse. His niece, Helene Gratiot Alphandery, inherited the property in 1941. She managed Chateau Larcis Ducasse until 1990. Her son, Jacques-Olivier Gratiot took control of the property after she passed away and he remains in charge today.

Chateau Larcis Ducasse remains the property of the Gratiot Alphandery family today. Prior to 2003, it had been years since the wines of Chateau Larcis Ducasse were prized by Bordeaux wine lovers.

The wine had fallen out of favor, due to a lack of attention and effort. That changed in 2002 shortly after they hired the team of well-known Saint Emilion consultants, Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt to turn things around and manage the estate.

One of the first improvements at the property suggested by Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt was to create a new drainage system. The next step was to change harvesting practices.

Before 2002, the grapes were often picked early and over a short duration of 2 to 3 days. Now, the harvest takes place when the fruit is ripe and picking takes as long as 2 to 3 weeks to complete. Starting with the 2005 vintage, all work in the vineyards moved to 100% organic farming methods.

Chateau Larcis Ducasse Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 11.3-hectare vineyard of Larcis Ducasse is planted to 83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc. This shows a slight change in the vineyard, as more Cabernet Franc has been added to the plantings since 2003. The vineyard is located just around the bend in the road from Chateau Pavie. In fact, their vines abut each other.

They have other good neighbors as well. To the south, you find Chateau Canon La Gaffeliere and La Gaffeliere, and as you move north, Chateau Troplong Mondot, Chateau Pavie Macquin is not far away.

The terroir of Chateau Larcis Ducasse is a mixture of soils. The vines on the top of the plateau and the slopes have a south-facing exposure. At the higher elevations on the plateau, which hits 86 meters at their peak, here the terroir is limestone, clay, and chalk soils.

As you travel further down the slopes towards the terraces, the terroir is a blend of chalky limestone, marl, sand, silt, and clay soil. At the base of the slopes, you find sand and clay soils. On average the vines are 35 years of age.

While the older plantings were done at a vine density of 6,600 vines per hectare, as the vineyard continues to be slowly replanted, the vine density is increasing with each subsequent replanting.

The new plantings are being done between 7,500 vines per hectare and 9,000 vines per hectare. They are also using budwood obtained through selection massale. The yields are kept low at Larcis Ducasse. As an example, in 2009, the effective yields were only 25 hectoliters per hectare.

To produce the wine of Chateau Larcis Ducasse, the grapes are whole berry fermented. The fruit is transported by gravity flow into traditional, cement tanks for fermentation. Cuvaison takes between 25-28 days. There are no pump-overs. Pigeages are conducted during fermentation. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels.

The wine is then aged in 67% new, French oak barrels, which are mixed in size, between standard barrels and 500 liter French, oak casks. The wine is then aged for an average of 18 to 20 months in barrel before bottling. A small portion of the wine is aged in amphora. The production is on average close to 4,000 cases of wine per vintage.

The best vintages of Chateau Larcis Ducasse are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008 and 2005. Very old vintages are more than variable. However, I have tasted good bottles of 1959. So, if you are planning to buy any, please do so with some caution.

Since the dynamic duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt began making the wines, they have continued improving. All one has to do is taste the wines produced at Chateau Larcis Ducasse today and compare the younger wines against the older, pre-2003 vintages to see the difference.

2005 is the best vintage Larcis Ducasse has produced yet. Although 2009, 2010 give it a run for its money and 2015 and 2016 are not far behind.

The wines are rich and opulently textured with ripe dark berries, anise, spice, and minerality. They have the ability to age and improve. Prices remain fair for a Right Bank estate of this high level of quality.

On average, the production is close to 4,000 cases of Larcis Ducasse per year. There is a second wine, Murmure de Larcis Ducasse.

When to Drink Chateau Larcis Ducasse, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Larcis Ducasse is much better with at least 10-15 years of aging in good vintages. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-3 hours or more.

This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Larcis Ducasse offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 12-35 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Larcis Ducasse with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Larcis Ducasse is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Larcis Ducasse is best paired with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes. Chateau Larcis Ducasse is also good when matched with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, salmon, mushrooms, pasta, and of course, a wide variety of hard and soft cheese.

www.larcis-ducasse.com

Château Larcis Ducasse Wine Tasting Notes

23 Vintages 355,517 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
98
The dark, purple hue stands out. Licorice, smoke, oyster shell, espresso, black cherries, and plums are all over the perfume. The wine explodes from the glass with its layers of opulent, black and red fruits, dark chocolate, espresso, smoke and chocolate on the palate. Full-bodied, powerful, and most importantly pure, there is a depth of flavor, and richness on the mid-palate that sticks with you through to the extended, mineral-driven finish. I would not be surprised to see this score even higher once it is in the bottle. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc, 14.6% ABV, 3.5 pH. The harvest took place September 13-September 23. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2055. 97-99 Pts.

The dark, purple hue stands out. Licorice, smoke, oyster shell, espresso, black cherries, and plums are all over the perfume. The wine explodes from the glass with its layers of opulent, black and red fruits, dark chocolate, espresso, smoke and chocolate on the palate. Full-bodied, powerful, and most importantly pure, there is a depth of flavor, and richness on the mid-palate that sticks with you through to the extended, mineral-driven finish. I would not be surprised to see this score even higher once it is in the bottle. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc, 14.6% ABV, 3.5 pH. The harvest took place September 13-September 23. Yields were 34 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2027-2055. 97-99 Pts.

3,382 Views   Tasted
2021
93
Elegant, charming and filled with crushed stones, flowers, spice, tobacco, and chocolate covered cherries, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, salty and chewy. This is a finesse-styled vintage with a savory edge to the black cherries on the mid-palate and in the oceanic finish. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2045.

Elegant, charming and filled with crushed stones, flowers, spice, tobacco, and chocolate covered cherries, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, salty and chewy. This is a finesse-styled vintage with a savory edge to the black cherries on the mid-palate and in the oceanic finish. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc. Drink from 2026-2045.

162 Views   Tasted
Oyster shell, crushed rocks, flowers, smoke, licorice, espresso roasted cherries, and plums create the complex aromatic profile. On the palate, this is a finesse-styled vintage, medium-bodied, plummy and with a savory edge to the black cherries on the mid-palate and in the oceanic finish. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 29-October 9. Drink from 2026-2044. 92-94

Oyster shell, crushed rocks, flowers, smoke, licorice, espresso roasted cherries, and plums create the complex aromatic profile. On the palate, this is a finesse-styled vintage, medium-bodied, plummy and with a savory edge to the black cherries on the mid-palate and in the oceanic finish. The wine blends 86% Merlot with 14% Cabernet Franc, 13.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 29-October 9. Drink from 2026-2044. 92-94

1,900 Views   Tasted
2020
98
If you are seeking a masterclass in minerality, taste this wine! The nose screams crushed rocks, stones and oceanic influences before moving to its flowers, licorice, black cherries, plums, and espresso nose. Concentrated, full-bodied and intense, with layers of mineral-infused black and red fruits, the wine builds, lingers and expands, finishing with vibrancy, refinement, and elegant, sweet, ripe, luscious red fruits with a touch of salt in the tannins. Drink from 2026-2055.

If you are seeking a masterclass in minerality, taste this wine! The nose screams crushed rocks, stones and oceanic influences before moving to its flowers, licorice, black cherries, plums, and espresso nose. Concentrated, full-bodied and intense, with layers of mineral-infused black and red fruits, the wine builds, lingers and expands, finishing with vibrancy, refinement, and elegant, sweet, ripe, luscious red fruits with a touch of salt in the tannins. Drink from 2026-2055.

5,774 Views   Tasted
Pungent aromas of flowers, licorice, crushed rocks, oak, dark cocoa, black, red and blue fruits focus your attention. The wine offers a mineral-driven, full-bodied blast of silky, flamboyant, luscious red fruits with salty tannins. The fruit coats your palate, lingers and seamlessly expands, finishing with licorice, sensuously textured red and black fruits, espresso and oyster shell. This is on the way to developing into one of the best vintages ever produced by Larcis Ducasse. 98-100 Pts

Pungent aromas of flowers, licorice, crushed rocks, oak, dark cocoa, black, red and blue fruits focus your attention. The wine offers a mineral-driven, full-bodied blast of silky, flamboyant, luscious red fruits with salty tannins. The fruit coats your palate, lingers and seamlessly expands, finishing with licorice, sensuously textured red and black fruits, espresso and oyster shell. This is on the way to developing into one of the best vintages ever produced by Larcis Ducasse. 98-100 Pts

7,457 Views   Tasted
2019
98
A bit of smoke adds to the flowers, cherries, crushed rock, mocha, espresso, and roasted dark, red pit fruits. Concentrated, lush, ripe, silky, and vibrant, the fruit, with its salty tannins glides over your palate leaving you with a gorgeous array of fruits, rocks, and stones that stay with you for about 50 seconds. Made from blending 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc, this stunning wine will age effortlessly for 30 or more years. Drink from 2025-2050.

A bit of smoke adds to the flowers, cherries, crushed rock, mocha, espresso, and roasted dark, red pit fruits. Concentrated, lush, ripe, silky, and vibrant, the fruit, with its salty tannins glides over your palate leaving you with a gorgeous array of fruits, rocks, and stones that stay with you for about 50 seconds. Made from blending 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc, this stunning wine will age effortlessly for 30 or more years. Drink from 2025-2050.

7,002 Views   Tasted
Like walking into a flower market with cherries and plums all over the floor, the wine is fresh, silky, long and stony. The salty tannins are ripe, long and there is a fabulous oceanic note in the finish that carries. Not as powerful as the 2018, but there is perhaps better purity and a more approachable, sensuous style. Made from blending 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place September 25 to October 7. 95-97 Pts

Like walking into a flower market with cherries and plums all over the floor, the wine is fresh, silky, long and stony. The salty tannins are ripe, long and there is a fabulous oceanic note in the finish that carries. Not as powerful as the 2018, but there is perhaps better purity and a more approachable, sensuous style. Made from blending 88% Merlot with 12% Cabernet Franc. The harvest took place September 25 to October 7. 95-97 Pts

8,904 Views   Tasted
2018
98
With a good depth of color the wine serves up its blend of roasted cherries, licorice, smoke, flowers, plum liqueur, espresso, kirsch and black raspberries with zero effort. The wine is dense, full-bodied and concentrated. Yet with all its weight and richness, everything is in balance. Texturally, all the fruit is drenched in velvet, rocks and stones. The seamless finish sticks with you for at least 50 seconds. The wine blends 89% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc.

With a good depth of color the wine serves up its blend of roasted cherries, licorice, smoke, flowers, plum liqueur, espresso, kirsch and black raspberries with zero effort. The wine is dense, full-bodied and concentrated. Yet with all its weight and richness, everything is in balance. Texturally, all the fruit is drenched in velvet, rocks and stones. The seamless finish sticks with you for at least 50 seconds. The wine blends 89% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc.

4,965 Views   Tasted
The purple hue announces this is a wine to take notice of and 2018 is up to the task. Full-bodied, the wine hits your palate with layers of decadently textured fruit that never quits. It is hard to say what I was digging more, the opulence on the mouth or the cage match between the density and freshness. The match came to a draw. The seamless finish is nearly endless. The wine coats your palate and stains your teeth, remaining perfectly in balance. Made from blending 89% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc, it reached 14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 21 to October 4. 97-99 Pts

The purple hue announces this is a wine to take notice of and 2018 is up to the task. Full-bodied, the wine hits your palate with layers of decadently textured fruit that never quits. It is hard to say what I was digging more, the opulence on the mouth or the cage match between the density and freshness. The match came to a draw. The seamless finish is nearly endless. The wine coats your palate and stains your teeth, remaining perfectly in balance. Made from blending 89% Merlot with 11% Cabernet Franc, it reached 14.5% ABV. The harvest took place September 21 to October 4. 97-99 Pts

10,357 Views   Tasted
2017
94
Stony, mineral-driven red plums and cherries are all over the place. Concentrated, fresh, complex and fresh, give this a decade or so, allowing everything to come together, gaining complexities, nuances and softness.

Stony, mineral-driven red plums and cherries are all over the place. Concentrated, fresh, complex and fresh, give this a decade or so, allowing everything to come together, gaining complexities, nuances and softness.

3,936 Views   Tasted
Flowers, crushed rocks and ripe, deep red fruits are found in abundance here. With silky textures, sweet maroon berries, earth, licorice and salty tannins, the wine offers concentration of flavor with cut and definition. The mineral character is profound in this vintage, therefore give it at least a decade to develop before popping a cork. The wine was made from blending 92% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14% ABV. The harvest took place September 18 to October 2.

Flowers, crushed rocks and ripe, deep red fruits are found in abundance here. With silky textures, sweet maroon berries, earth, licorice and salty tannins, the wine offers concentration of flavor with cut and definition. The mineral character is profound in this vintage, therefore give it at least a decade to develop before popping a cork. The wine was made from blending 92% Merlot with 8% Cabernet Franc, reaching 14% ABV. The harvest took place September 18 to October 2.

4,162 Views   Tasted
2016
97
Full bodied, luxurious, deep, fresh and sweet, the wine has power, purity, minerality and length. There is concentration, complexity and on the finish, it is incredibly polished and silky with layers of fruit and persistence. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot, harvested October 12 to October 20 and 13% Cabernet Franc, picked on October 18 and 19, the wine reached 14.4% ABV with a pH of 3.45.

Full bodied, luxurious, deep, fresh and sweet, the wine has power, purity, minerality and length. There is concentration, complexity and on the finish, it is incredibly polished and silky with layers of fruit and persistence. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot, harvested October 12 to October 20 and 13% Cabernet Franc, picked on October 18 and 19, the wine reached 14.4% ABV with a pH of 3.45.

5,840 Views   Tasted
Sensuous, concentrated, full bodied and complex, this wine has it all. The ripe, dense, silky, pure fruit has freshness, definition and depth. The tannins are refined and the lavishly textured endnote leaves you with velvety textured, wall of fruit. It's not often you find an intellectual wine that's also hedonistic.

Sensuous, concentrated, full bodied and complex, this wine has it all. The ripe, dense, silky, pure fruit has freshness, definition and depth. The tannins are refined and the lavishly textured endnote leaves you with velvety textured, wall of fruit. It's not often you find an intellectual wine that's also hedonistic.

6,587 Views   Tasted
Perfectly ripe, dark, red fruits drizzled over various rocks and stones, with licorice and flowers all mixed together perfectly, to create the nose. On the palate, there is intensity, weight, character and freshness, that sets up all the sweet, pure fruits quite nicely. Give this at least 12 years of sleep before popping a cork.

Perfectly ripe, dark, red fruits drizzled over various rocks and stones, with licorice and flowers all mixed together perfectly, to create the nose. On the palate, there is intensity, weight, character and freshness, that sets up all the sweet, pure fruits quite nicely. Give this at least 12 years of sleep before popping a cork.

7,027 Views   Tasted
This is incredibly rich, sensuous, full bodied and deep. Between the tannins and fruit, I cannot decide which is more polished or has more finesse. With lavish textures, waves of fruit and a velvet mouth feel, this is an outstanding wine with tremendous character. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot, harvested October 12 to October 20 and 13% Cabernet Franc, picked on October 18 and 19, the wine reached 14.4% ABV with a pH of 3.45.

This is incredibly rich, sensuous, full bodied and deep. Between the tannins and fruit, I cannot decide which is more polished or has more finesse. With lavish textures, waves of fruit and a velvet mouth feel, this is an outstanding wine with tremendous character. Made from a blend of 87% Merlot, harvested October 12 to October 20 and 13% Cabernet Franc, picked on October 18 and 19, the wine reached 14.4% ABV with a pH of 3.45.

6,500 Views   Tasted
2015
97
Smoke, tobacco, crushed stone, dark red fruits and wet earth are all over the place. The wine is full bodied, intense, concentrated and richly textured. There is a beautiful sensation of minerality and ripe fruits at work here. But at least 10 years are needed for this to get where it needs to be.

Smoke, tobacco, crushed stone, dark red fruits and wet earth are all over the place. The wine is full bodied, intense, concentrated and richly textured. There is a beautiful sensation of minerality and ripe fruits at work here. But at least 10 years are needed for this to get where it needs to be.

7,555 Views   Tasted
This is going to need time in the cellar before the essence of the crushed stone, flowers, smoke, wet earth and red fruits fully come alive. Full bodied, concentrated and intense, there is richness and mineral essence that are the hall marks of this stunner. The wine is going to tighten up shortly, so give it at least a 7-10 years in the cellar.

This is going to need time in the cellar before the essence of the crushed stone, flowers, smoke, wet earth and red fruits fully come alive. Full bodied, concentrated and intense, there is richness and mineral essence that are the hall marks of this stunner. The wine is going to tighten up shortly, so give it at least a 7-10 years in the cellar.

7,130 Views   Tasted
Developing as you would hope, the minerality and florality continue gaining ground The wine keeps adding weight and density. This will hit the top of my range with ease.

Developing as you would hope, the minerality and florality continue gaining ground The wine keeps adding weight and density. This will hit the top of my range with ease.

6,831 Views   Tasted
Flowery with stones, licorice and dark red fruits on the nose, there is concentration combined with power, elegance and grace. Not big, but rich, sensuous and mineral driven. The fruits are ripe, spicy and fresh. The luscious finish really keeps on going. Produced from a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.52% ABV with a pH of 3.42. The harvest took place from September 28 to October 12. Usually priced quite fair, this stunner is a wine to look for during the futures campaign.

Flowery with stones, licorice and dark red fruits on the nose, there is concentration combined with power, elegance and grace. Not big, but rich, sensuous and mineral driven. The fruits are ripe, spicy and fresh. The luscious finish really keeps on going. Produced from a blend of 87% Merlot and 13% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.52% ABV with a pH of 3.42. The harvest took place from September 28 to October 12. Usually priced quite fair, this stunner is a wine to look for during the futures campaign.

10,300 Views   Tasted
2014
93
Flowers, crushed rocks, hints of truffle and red fruits are the first thing you notice, before moving to softer, polished, plums, a medium bodied palate and fresh, red berries in the finish. I am sure 5 years in the cellar will add a lot to this wine.

Flowers, crushed rocks, hints of truffle and red fruits are the first thing you notice, before moving to softer, polished, plums, a medium bodied palate and fresh, red berries in the finish. I am sure 5 years in the cellar will add a lot to this wine.

4,224 Views   Tasted
Produced from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine has a distinctive, mineral profile with licorice and fresh blackberries rounding out the exquisite perfume. On the palate the wine is round, supple, long and fresh, flaunting a unique, outstanding blackberry and plum character. 93-94 Pts

Produced from a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, this wine has a distinctive, mineral profile with licorice and fresh blackberries rounding out the exquisite perfume. On the palate the wine is round, supple, long and fresh, flaunting a unique, outstanding blackberry and plum character. 93-94 Pts

5,187 Views   Tasted
2013
92
With silky textures, forward character and a sweet, fresh, red cherry core of fruits with mineral essences, this is a Larcis Ducasse to enjoy in its youth while you wait for the 2015 to develop.

With silky textures, forward character and a sweet, fresh, red cherry core of fruits with mineral essences, this is a Larcis Ducasse to enjoy in its youth while you wait for the 2015 to develop.

4,133 Views   Tasted
2012
93
Holding a lot in reserve, flowers, chocolate covered cherries, plum and licorice are right there, if you know where to look. Soft, polished tannins and a ripe, pit fruit filled complete the wine.

Holding a lot in reserve, flowers, chocolate covered cherries, plum and licorice are right there, if you know where to look. Soft, polished tannins and a ripe, pit fruit filled complete the wine.

5,352 Views   Tasted
Truffle, mocha and fresh plums and thyme scents lead to a rich, concentrated, polished, lushly textured display of fresh black cherries, crushed stone and licorice. This was starting to close down. Give this a few years to come around, soften and wake up as it should be even better.

Truffle, mocha and fresh plums and thyme scents lead to a rich, concentrated, polished, lushly textured display of fresh black cherries, crushed stone and licorice. This was starting to close down. Give this a few years to come around, soften and wake up as it should be even better.

3,982 Views   Tasted
83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc created a wine that pops with crushed stone, flowers and dark berries. Round in texture, the wine ends with a sweet licorice and cherry sensation. 91-94 Pts

83% Merlot and 17% Cabernet Franc created a wine that pops with crushed stone, flowers and dark berries. Round in texture, the wine ends with a sweet licorice and cherry sensation. 91-94 Pts

5,844 Views   Tasted
2011
90
Medium bodied, soft, forward and ready to deliver its blackberry, cherry, licorice and coffee bean charms. There is some dryness in the finish that stops the wine from getting a higher score.

Medium bodied, soft, forward and ready to deliver its blackberry, cherry, licorice and coffee bean charms. There is some dryness in the finish that stops the wine from getting a higher score.

2,347 Views   Tasted
Intense minerality, coffee, flowers, licorice, plum, barbecue and black cherry create the complex perfume. From a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.4% ABV. Deep in color, the wine ends with opulent layers of sweet black cherry, mineral and black raspberry liqueur flavors. 94-96 Pts

Intense minerality, coffee, flowers, licorice, plum, barbecue and black cherry create the complex perfume. From a blend of 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc, the wine reached 14.4% ABV. Deep in color, the wine ends with opulent layers of sweet black cherry, mineral and black raspberry liqueur flavors. 94-96 Pts

4,336 Views   Tasted
2010
97
With intense aromatics and concentration of flavor, the wine is deep, powerful and long. It’s also filled with mineral essence, cocoa, licorice and ripe plums. The finish really coats your mouth and lasts for more than 40 seconds. But the wine is starting to tighten up. It’s going to need time to come around.

With intense aromatics and concentration of flavor, the wine is deep, powerful and long. It’s also filled with mineral essence, cocoa, licorice and ripe plums. The finish really coats your mouth and lasts for more than 40 seconds. But the wine is starting to tighten up. It’s going to need time to come around.

15,558 Views   Tasted
Inky in color, with licorice, truffle, black cherry, oak and spice aromas. The palate enjoys, layers of sweet, jammy black fruits, spice, licorice and round tannins. It’s easy to sense the minerality in this wine in the long fresh, black cherry filled finish. This is showing better than it did in April. 96-97 Pts

Inky in color, with licorice, truffle, black cherry, oak and spice aromas. The palate enjoys, layers of sweet, jammy black fruits, spice, licorice and round tannins. It’s easy to sense the minerality in this wine in the long fresh, black cherry filled finish. This is showing better than it did in April. 96-97 Pts

8,392 Views   Tasted
Larcis Ducasse The color of dark, purple ink, pungent aromas of crushed stone, fresh ground spice, licorice, and intense jammy berries lead the wine to a powerful, rich, dense, sexy mouthful of opulent, juicy fruit. This wine coats your palate. Long, pure and incredibly rich, this offers competition to the sublime 2005 Larcis Ducasse. 95-97 Pts

Larcis Ducasse The color of dark, purple ink, pungent aromas of crushed stone, fresh ground spice, licorice, and intense jammy berries lead the wine to a powerful, rich, dense, sexy mouthful of opulent, juicy fruit. This wine coats your palate. Long, pure and incredibly rich, this offers competition to the sublime 2005 Larcis Ducasse. 95-97 Pts

8,398 Views   Tasted
2009
95
Time has been good to this wine. Over the years it has filled out, while gaining in complexity and richness. With a strong sense, of salty minerality, the wine pops with its floral, licorice, cherry, truffle and earthy essence. That theme continues on the palate, finishing with sweet, ripe, red, smoky fruits. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 1-2 hours in the decanter, or perhaps 3-5 additional years in the cellar.

Time has been good to this wine. Over the years it has filled out, while gaining in complexity and richness. With a strong sense, of salty minerality, the wine pops with its floral, licorice, cherry, truffle and earthy essence. That theme continues on the palate, finishing with sweet, ripe, red, smoky fruits. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 1-2 hours in the decanter, or perhaps 3-5 additional years in the cellar.

3,855 Views   Tasted
Minerality, truffle, fresh plum, earth, round, supple, long, fresh, ripe, sweet, rich, plush in balance. Oh so young, but this is so decadent now, it is hard not to want to pop a cork.

Minerality, truffle, fresh plum, earth, round, supple, long, fresh, ripe, sweet, rich, plush in balance. Oh so young, but this is so decadent now, it is hard not to want to pop a cork.

7,432 Views   Tasted
From an assemblage of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, the wine offers coffee bean, licorice, plum, jam and mineral scents. Medium/full bodied, with soft textures, the wine ends with fresh, sweet, ripe, black and red fruits.

From an assemblage of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, the wine offers coffee bean, licorice, plum, jam and mineral scents. Medium/full bodied, with soft textures, the wine ends with fresh, sweet, ripe, black and red fruits.

7,206 Views   Tasted
Minerality, licorice, plum, black raspberry, caramel, smoke and rose petals make up the delicate perfume. In the mouth, this sexy, fleshy, opulent wine delivers layers of juicy plums and ripe black cherries. The wine was bottled May 15.

Minerality, licorice, plum, black raspberry, caramel, smoke and rose petals make up the delicate perfume. In the mouth, this sexy, fleshy, opulent wine delivers layers of juicy plums and ripe black cherries. The wine was bottled May 15.

6,464 Views   Tasted
2009 Larcis Ducasse, 81% merlot and 19% cabernet franc, is dark purple. Limestone, black raspberry, smoke, and spice aromatics start the wine off. Soft, rich, and full bodied, but lacking the intense concentration found in the remarkable 2005, this rich, sultry wine offers a spice filled, dark fruit and licorice flavored finish. 93-95 Pts

2009 Larcis Ducasse, 81% merlot and 19% cabernet franc, is dark purple. Limestone, black raspberry, smoke, and spice aromatics start the wine off. Soft, rich, and full bodied, but lacking the intense concentration found in the remarkable 2005, this rich, sultry wine offers a spice filled, dark fruit and licorice flavored finish. 93-95 Pts

6,672 Views   Tasted
2008
92
Earthy, truffle, smoke, licorice and tobacco accompany the red fruits. On the palate, the wine continues with its earth theme. There is concentration, but the tannins are strict creating some austerity in the wine. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 2 hours of air, or wait another 5 years or so before popping a cork.

Earthy, truffle, smoke, licorice and tobacco accompany the red fruits. On the palate, the wine continues with its earth theme. There is concentration, but the tannins are strict creating some austerity in the wine. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 2 hours of air, or wait another 5 years or so before popping a cork.

4,290 Views   Tasted
The perfume is filled with floral, black raspberry, cherry, spice, licorice and stone aromas. The wine is rich, supple, fresh and filled with minerality. It needs time to develop.

The perfume is filled with floral, black raspberry, cherry, spice, licorice and stone aromas. The wine is rich, supple, fresh and filled with minerality. It needs time to develop.

7,815 Views   Tasted
08 Château Larcis Ducasse, while not at the level of the stellar 05, is still not far behind its distinguished sibling. Deep, inky color. Intense scents of ripe black and blue fruit, fennel, mineral, and flowers. Full bodied and packed with lush, ripe fruit, this opulently styled St. Emilion is stunning. 93-95 Pts

08 Château Larcis Ducasse, while not at the level of the stellar 05, is still not far behind its distinguished sibling. Deep, inky color. Intense scents of ripe black and blue fruit, fennel, mineral, and flowers. Full bodied and packed with lush, ripe fruit, this opulently styled St. Emilion is stunning. 93-95 Pts

8,341 Views   Tasted
2007
91
Drinking great today at 10 years of age. Medium bodied and soft, with polished tannins and sweet, earthy, plum, cherry, thyme and espresso notes. You can enjoy this over the next few years while waiting for bigger vintages like 2005, 2009 and 2010 to develop. The wine was produced from blending 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc.

Drinking great today at 10 years of age. Medium bodied and soft, with polished tannins and sweet, earthy, plum, cherry, thyme and espresso notes. You can enjoy this over the next few years while waiting for bigger vintages like 2005, 2009 and 2010 to develop. The wine was produced from blending 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc.

3,532 Views   Tasted
2006
90
From almost 90% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc, this delicious St. Emilion wine offers stone, licorice, black cherry, cocoa, coffee, smoke and plum scents. Medium/full bodied and not as lush as the wines made in subsequent vintages, this is still a nice Bordeaux wine that will drink well early.

From almost 90% Merlot and the remainder Cabernet Franc, this delicious St. Emilion wine offers stone, licorice, black cherry, cocoa, coffee, smoke and plum scents. Medium/full bodied and not as lush as the wines made in subsequent vintages, this is still a nice Bordeaux wine that will drink well early.

6,033 Views   Tasted
2005
98
This is packed with crushed rocks and stones, on the nose and a salty palate, which is perfect for its layers of flowers, licorice, fresh plums, cherries and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, energetic and with a salty, tannic finish, give it perhaps another year or two in the cellar and enjoy for at least 2 decades after that.

This is packed with crushed rocks and stones, on the nose and a salty palate, which is perfect for its layers of flowers, licorice, fresh plums, cherries and bitter chocolate. Full-bodied, energetic and with a salty, tannic finish, give it perhaps another year or two in the cellar and enjoy for at least 2 decades after that.

5,689 Views   Tasted
This stunner keeps getting better and better. I think this is going to hit triple digits with another 2-3 years of age. Opulent, flamboyant and showy, with an incredible sensuality and decadent character that coats your palate with crushed rocks and perfectly ripe, velvet-textured fruits along with cashmere tannins. Deeply concentrated, this is a very textural experience. The finish has taken on an exotic quality that kept improving in the glass. It was impossible to put my glass down, without refilling it for another sniff and sip. And isn't that what great wine is all about?

This stunner keeps getting better and better. I think this is going to hit triple digits with another 2-3 years of age. Opulent, flamboyant and showy, with an incredible sensuality and decadent character that coats your palate with crushed rocks and perfectly ripe, velvet-textured fruits along with cashmere tannins. Deeply concentrated, this is a very textural experience. The finish has taken on an exotic quality that kept improving in the glass. It was impossible to put my glass down, without refilling it for another sniff and sip. And isn't that what great wine is all about?

5,356 Views   Tasted
The best showing ever or this stunning wine. Luscious fruits are all over the place. The wine is pure silk velvet and cashmere, with a finish that does not want to quit. This is so good now, and you can take this to the bank, it is only going to get better from here. Thrilling is apt descriptor, if you're a hedonist like me.

The best showing ever or this stunning wine. Luscious fruits are all over the place. The wine is pure silk velvet and cashmere, with a finish that does not want to quit. This is so good now, and you can take this to the bank, it is only going to get better from here. Thrilling is apt descriptor, if you're a hedonist like me.

9,714 Views   Tasted
Deep ruby in color, with blast of fresh, sweet, vibrant, juicy, mouthful , fleshy, supple berries, silky textures and a lively finish that is just getting started. Drink this now, or give it a few more years for additional layers of softness and complexity.

Deep ruby in color, with blast of fresh, sweet, vibrant, juicy, mouthful , fleshy, supple berries, silky textures and a lively finish that is just getting started. Drink this now, or give it a few more years for additional layers of softness and complexity.

6,880 Views   Tasted
An hour of decanting would have helped this bottle. Still, it was hard not to find the licorice, sweet boysenberry, chocoalte, earth and truffle, all wrapped up in a silky, elegant, velvety bow. The wine was produced from a blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.

An hour of decanting would have helped this bottle. Still, it was hard not to find the licorice, sweet boysenberry, chocoalte, earth and truffle, all wrapped up in a silky, elegant, velvety bow. The wine was produced from a blend of 78% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.

6,504 Views   Tasted
Liquid sex in a bottle. That says it all. For those that want a bit more detail, this beautiful wine is packed with layer after layer of ripe, deep, luscious, sensuous fruit, ripe, silky tannins and the perfect combination of polish, finesse and power. If you like young wines, pop a cork. If you prefer age and secondary nuances, give it another 5-8 more years.

Liquid sex in a bottle. That says it all. For those that want a bit more detail, this beautiful wine is packed with layer after layer of ripe, deep, luscious, sensuous fruit, ripe, silky tannins and the perfect combination of polish, finesse and power. If you like young wines, pop a cork. If you prefer age and secondary nuances, give it another 5-8 more years.

6,836 Views   Tasted
The perfume of melted blackberry and plums with hints of fennel and raspberry is seductive. But, the fireworks really start when the rubber meets the road, or should I say, when the wine hits your palate? Multiple layers of decadent, fat, sexy, lush, ripe St. Emilion fruit grace your palate in endless waves of flavor. The best way to describe this Bordeaux wine is... it is akin to pouring liquid heaven over your palate. This is very polished and velvety with insane levels of concentration.

The perfume of melted blackberry and plums with hints of fennel and raspberry is seductive. But, the fireworks really start when the rubber meets the road, or should I say, when the wine hits your palate? Multiple layers of decadent, fat, sexy, lush, ripe St. Emilion fruit grace your palate in endless waves of flavor. The best way to describe this Bordeaux wine is... it is akin to pouring liquid heaven over your palate. This is very polished and velvety with insane levels of concentration.

10,149 Views   Tasted
This Bordeaux wine is so incredibly rich, you could eat it or drink it. Everything is in balance. Very sexy, opulent and exotic. This St. Emilion wine has it all. This takes decadence to new levels.

This Bordeaux wine is so incredibly rich, you could eat it or drink it. Everything is in balance. Very sexy, opulent and exotic. This St. Emilion wine has it all. This takes decadence to new levels.

9,074 Views   Tasted
This Bordeaux is so plush, dense and concentrated, it's almost scary. This has everything a wine lover desires in a wine. This is packed and stacked with incredible levels of opulent, ripe, sexy fruit. The aromatics start the fireworks off, but the silken fruit bath your palate enjoys is the real fireworks.

This Bordeaux is so plush, dense and concentrated, it's almost scary. This has everything a wine lover desires in a wine. This is packed and stacked with incredible levels of opulent, ripe, sexy fruit. The aromatics start the fireworks off, but the silken fruit bath your palate enjoys is the real fireworks.

10,111 Views   Tasted
2004
93
As is often how it goes, the last bottle from the case was the best. Still youthful in color, the nose offers chocolate fudge, black cherry, truffle and floral notes. Silky and fresh, with plenty of sweet, dark red fruits in the finish, the only thing holding this back, is a lack of hangtime in the finish. Decanted 30 minutes, this was rocking! On to my case of 2005!

As is often how it goes, the last bottle from the case was the best. Still youthful in color, the nose offers chocolate fudge, black cherry, truffle and floral notes. Silky and fresh, with plenty of sweet, dark red fruits in the finish, the only thing holding this back, is a lack of hangtime in the finish. Decanted 30 minutes, this was rocking! On to my case of 2005!

3,176 Views   Tasted
Spicy red and black berries, stone and licorice add to the mineral driven, easy to drink character. There is no reason not to be popping corks on this wine, as it's drinking great today.

Spicy red and black berries, stone and licorice add to the mineral driven, easy to drink character. There is no reason not to be popping corks on this wine, as it's drinking great today.

3,805 Views   Tasted
The second vintage after the estate starting hitting it right is in the sweet spot. Licorice, truffle, black cherry, coffee bean crushed stone notes open to a soft, silky, medium/full bodied ripe, round wine with a lot of character.

The second vintage after the estate starting hitting it right is in the sweet spot. Licorice, truffle, black cherry, coffee bean crushed stone notes open to a soft, silky, medium/full bodied ripe, round wine with a lot of character.

3,477 Views   Tasted
With good color, the nose offers minerality, sweet dark plums, blackberry, earth, licorice and dark cherries. Soft textured, concentrated and round, the minerality of the terroir comes through. Give it another 2-3 more years to allow this St. Emilion to develop additional complexities.

With good color, the nose offers minerality, sweet dark plums, blackberry, earth, licorice and dark cherries. Soft textured, concentrated and round, the minerality of the terroir comes through. Give it another 2-3 more years to allow this St. Emilion to develop additional complexities.

5,043 Views   Tasted
Smoke, coffee, licorice, jam, cassis, minerality and herbs, full bodied and concentrated, but a bit monolithic. The wine ends with black cherry liqueur and a touch of green olive tapenade.

Smoke, coffee, licorice, jam, cassis, minerality and herbs, full bodied and concentrated, but a bit monolithic. The wine ends with black cherry liqueur and a touch of green olive tapenade.

4,984 Views   Tasted
This wine remains deeply colored. In the nose, minerality, jammy berries, coco powder, licorice and kirsch. Full bodied and soft textured, this still youthful wine ends with a blast of dark cherry and espresso. There is a slight hint of bitterness or green in the finish. A few more years will add additional flesh and complexity to the wine.

This wine remains deeply colored. In the nose, minerality, jammy berries, coco powder, licorice and kirsch. Full bodied and soft textured, this still youthful wine ends with a blast of dark cherry and espresso. There is a slight hint of bitterness or green in the finish. A few more years will add additional flesh and complexity to the wine.

5,822 Views   Tasted
2003
86
While the textures are soft, the fruit is rapidly fading. Drink up.

While the textures are soft, the fruit is rapidly fading. Drink up.

3,519 Views   Tasted
Slightly more interesting on the nose than the palate, the wine offers smoke, licorice, truffle, chocolate covered plums and earthy scents. In the mouth, this sweet, ripe, spicy, black cherry dominated wine feels great on the finish. This is ready to drink.

Slightly more interesting on the nose than the palate, the wine offers smoke, licorice, truffle, chocolate covered plums and earthy scents. In the mouth, this sweet, ripe, spicy, black cherry dominated wine feels great on the finish. This is ready to drink.

4,415 Views   Tasted
1975
82
More on the secondary side, with its earthy and tobacco character, followed by semi tart red fruits in the finish.

More on the secondary side, with its earthy and tobacco character, followed by semi tart red fruits in the finish.

1,991 Views   Tasted
1966
87
Classic and traditional, the wine had this fabulous, tobacco, earth, wet forest floor and cherry nose, but on the palate, the wine had fruit but the rustic tannins and stern finish took away from the overall experience. Still, it was fun too taste.

Classic and traditional, the wine had this fabulous, tobacco, earth, wet forest floor and cherry nose, but on the palate, the wine had fruit but the rustic tannins and stern finish took away from the overall experience. Still, it was fun too taste.

1,784 Views   Tasted
1959
93
What a treat! Served double blind, it was easy to enjoy the sweet, cherries, earth, tobacco and spice that led to the medium bodied, supple, soft, earthy wine. No decanting needed, or wanted. If you own a bottle, just pull the cork and enjoy this great piece of history.

What a treat! Served double blind, it was easy to enjoy the sweet, cherries, earth, tobacco and spice that led to the medium bodied, supple, soft, earthy wine. No decanting needed, or wanted. If you own a bottle, just pull the cork and enjoy this great piece of history.

2,024 Views   Tasted