Larcis Ducasse 2009 (750ML)

96 VM / 96 RP / 96 JD / 95 WA / 95 DE / 94 JS

The 2009 Larcis-Ducasse displays engaging and complex, slightly earthy aromas on the nose: red fruit mixed with roses and melted tar. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well judged acidity. Velvety and smooth in texture with a judicious sprinkling of spice towards the finish that fans out with some style. This is an excellent Saint-Émilion that should age well over the next couple of decades. Easily the best bottle that I have tasted, this seems to show better than Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. - Neal Martin, Vinous Media, March 2019

A complex set of aromas ranging from coffee to forest floor, herbs, licorice, blackberries, cassis and cherries all seem to jump from the glass, and then are joined by a hint of charcoal as well camphor. This is an impressive, full-bodied, dense, concentrated wine that is more up-front and approachable than the 2005 was at a similar stage, but it is remarkably expressive, full-bodied, dense and capable of lasting 20-25 years. Showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, this wine comes very close to equaling the prodigious 2005 that was produced by consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare from the limestone hillsides of this terroir, the final blend was 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc that tipped the scales at 14.6% natural alcohol. It is a brilliant sample of wine, as this has long been one of the great terroirs of St.-Emilion, but under-exploited until nearly a decade ago. - Robert Parker

Showing better than a previous bottle, the 2009 Larcis Ducasse is just now starting to come into its own, offering terrific, full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, licorice, espresso, and leafy herbs. This deep, rich, full-bodied effort has absorbed its oak élevage beautifully, has a layered, unctuous texture, and plenty of sweet tannin. It’s a heavenly Saint Emilion to enjoy over the coming 15+ years. - Jeb Dunnuck, Feb 2018

The deep garnet colored 2009 Larcis Ducasse sashays out of the glass with compelling scents of kirsch, dried roses, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of black tea, cigar box and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. - LPB, Wine Advocate

This has rich, sexy layers with powerful black pepper, olive, liquorice notes and crushed berry fruits. This is the most 'Right Bank' of the vertical, but still with the mouthwatering salinity and foot-on-the-break feel, giving a clear expression of the two sides of Larcis - clay power with limestone austerity. Brilliant. 55% new oak was used. Drinking Window 2019 - 2044 - Jane Anson, Sep. 2019, Decanter

Tons of ripe plum and damson here plus some bitter chocolate and balsamic richness that fill out the opulent body nicely. Generous supple tannins support the massive frame. Bold but long and harmonious finish. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019) - James Suckling