Larcis Ducasse 2010 (750ML)

98+ RP / 97+ VM / 97 WA / 97 JS / 95 DE

The wine boasts 14.6% natural alcohol and is a final blend of roughly three-fourths Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, cropped at a ridiculously low 19 hectoliters per hectare. Notes of licorice, garrigue, incense, smoked meats, espresso, creme de cassis and blackberry liqueur jump from the glass of this unbelievably intense wine. Remarkably full, with compelling freshness and precision, this is a fabulous effort in 2010. It will probably close down over the next several years, and not re-emerge for at least a decade, something that often happens with the bigger, richer, more muscular St.-Emilions from the limestone hillsides and plateaux. This is one of the superstars of the vintage and a profound wine. Drink it between 2020 and 2045. By any standard of measure, this is the second greatest wine I have ever tasted from Larcis Ducasse, eclipsed only by the perfect 2005. Winemaker Nicolas Thienpont, with Stephane Derenoncourt in the background, have hit pay dirt with this 2010 from Larcis-Ducasse’s vineyard of 28 or so acres of the famous Cote Pavie’s decomposed limestone. - Robert Parker

One of the highlights in this tasting, the 2010 Larcis Ducasse is simply stunning. Although quite fresh, vibrant and intense, the 2010 is also very closed in on itself. Violet, lavender, graphite and menthol are some of the many notes that give the 2010 its energy and tension. Still very much closed, the 2010 is going to need a good few years to come into its own. Still, it is pretty impressive today. With time in the glass, the 2010 gives a very good idea of what is to come for those who can wait. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Larcis Ducasse opens a little subdued, offering glimpses of tobacco leaf, cast-iron pan and dusty soil over a core of raisin cake and Indian spices plus a touch of figs. Full-bodied, rich and seductive, it has firm, plush tannins and bags of freshness, finishing long and spicy. - LPB, Wine Advocate

Wow. This is really intense with amazing dark fruit character of crushed blueberries and minerals. It’s full-bodied, with super integrated tannins and a superb finish that lasts for minutes. A fabulous wine. Better in 2019. - James Suckling 

This is deep and powerful and right from the nose you’re taken up to another level. I can feel the layers of flavour here; black olive is just the beginning of the richness of this with black cherry, raspberry and cassis getting bedded down for the long term and tannins that know exactly what to do. 60% new oak was used. Drinking Window 2020 - 2046 - Jane Anson, Decanter