CHATEAU LARCIS DUCASSE 1er Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion 2018 Bottle

Description

Château Larcis Ducasse, proudly holding the rank of Premier Grand Cru Classé B, is situated on the coveted, sun-drenched limestone and clay slopes of Saint-Émilion. Under the expert guidance of Nicolas Thienpont, the estate has experienced a brilliant renaissance, and the 2018 vintage stands as a profound testament to the pedigree of this exceptional terroir.

In the glass, it displays a deep, opaque purple-black colour. The aromatics are soaring and seductive, bursting with decadent notes of baked plums, black cherry compote, and wild blueberries. This opulent fruit profile is elegantly interwoven with nuances of liquorice, dried lavender, and a distinct, crushed-chalk minerality.

On the palate, the 2018 is full-bodied, luxuriously textured, and flawlessly balanced. The predominantly Merlot blend offers a plush, velvety core of dark fruit, beautifully structured by the precise, powdery tannins of Cabernet Franc and a brilliant line of fresh acidity stemming from the limestone soils. It finishes with remarkable length and tension, leaving lingering savoury and floral echoes.

This is a mesmerising, age-worthy Saint-Émilion that will evolve gracefully for decades. It makes an outstanding companion to rich dishes such as roast venison, slow-cooked beef cheeks, or a luxurious truffle-infused risotto.

VINOUS 97 points
Drinking window: 2028 - 2058
The 2018 Larcis Ducasse is one of the real overachievers of the vintage. Richness and classicism meld together in a Saint-Émilion that dazzles from the very first taste. Rich dark fruit, mocha, licorice, espresso and leather all open in the glass. Time brings out bright acids and that firm spice of Larcis tannin. More than that, though, Larcis impresses with its exquisite balance and class. It is easily one of the most undervalued wines on the Right Bank. Don't let its modest price fool you. Larcis is one the most compelling wines of the vintage. Don't miss it!

JAME SUCKLING 97 points
Polished aromas of lavender, plum, dried blueberry, clove, sandalwood and dark chocolate. Hints of praline. It’s full-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Supple, seamless layers with great length and precision. Still reserved and tight. A toned and textured red with great structure. Try from 2026.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points
Drink Date: 2024 - 2050
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larcis Ducasse needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of crushed blackberries, plum preserves and boysenberries with suggestions of black truffles, tapenade and crushed rocks coming through, building to a subtle underlying perfume of roses and cloves. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits and loads of savory sparks, framed by firm, slightly chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.

DECANTER 95 points
Drinking Window: 2026 - 2040
Powerful but with a sense of restraint, this is extremely well handled in 2018. The difference between this and a more massive St-Emilion is subtle for sure - it's unquestionably on the dark fruit register - but you notice it in the way that the tannins respond and bounce rather than stiffen up in the mouth. You can enjoy them as they close in around you rather than beg for air. The palate has lots of dark chocolate, liquorice and slate notes, with cassis and blackberry fruits. This is from south-facing slopes, so there's plenty of ripeness in the grapes, but the limestone helps to temper it, along with the natural water sources that are found at this spot. Owned by Famille Gratiot-Attmane, but with the Nicolas Thienpont team overseeing winemaking.