Château Larcis-Ducasse - St.-Emilion 2020 (1.5L)
Price: $227.00
| Producer | Château Larcis-Ducasse |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | St.-Emilion |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 2005742 |
| Size | 1.5L |
Jeb Dunnuck: 99 Points
The Grand Vin comes from a tiny 11.15-hectare vineyard that has been in the Gratiot family since 1893. Located on the south-facing Côte Pavie between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier and consisting of clay on top of limestone soils the vineyard has recently been going through a replanted phase using a selection massale and a higher density planting. The grapes are hand-sorted vinification occurs all in concrete and spans four weeks with the élevage in 50% new French oak. A normal blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc the 2020 Château Larcis Ducasse reminds me of the 2005 and is up with the top handful of wines on the Right Bank. It has a brilliant perfume of red and black fruits white truffle leafy tobacco and Asian spices. This carries to a full-bodied concentrated powerful Larcis-Ducasse with ultra-fine yet building tannins perfect balance a stacked mid-palate and one heck of a great finish. It's going to flirt with perfection in 7-8 years (I'm probably underrating it a point) and have 30 years of overall longevity. Tasted numerous times with consistent results.
The Wine Independent: 99 Points
The 2020 Larcis Ducasse is a blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color it is a little reticent to begin needing considerable swirling to unlock notes of preserved plums blueberry compote and black cherry pie plus hints of candied violets dark chocolate and licorice with a waft of crushed rocks. The full-bodied palate is laden with black fruit and earthy layers supported by firm yet velvety tannins and impressive tension finishing with epic length
Vinous: 98 Points
The 2020 Larcis Ducasse is a real showstopper. Bright and vertical in feel the 2020 possesses tremendous energy to match its super-classic build. Beams of tannin and acid give the wine its shape. Dark cherry and pomegranate fruit are pushed forward with a kick of blood orange acidity that lends freshness. Graphite dried herbs menthol spice and cedar emerge with some coaxing but the 2020 is very young and very primary. That of course bodes so well for its future. The 2020 is quite simply a thrilling Larcis and one of the very finest values in all of Bordeaux. (Drink between 2030-2055)
James Suckling: 98 Points
Transparent and pure with crushed stone and flowers such as violets as well as minerals and blackcurrants. Bramble berries as well. Medium to full body. Tight and very fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Kicks off at the end. So fresh and energetic. Tannic in the finish with fine texture. Drink after 2028.
Decanter: 98 Points
Perfumed nose heady and seductive the aromas shining out of the glass. Full rich and vibrant tones of blackcurrant and black c
Jane Anson: 97 Points
Just such a brilliant wine with finesse and balance. Joyful with dark chocolate blueberry and cassis fruits salted crackers wet stone minerality violet aromatics. Supple tannins this is both complex and simply easy to enjoy with layers that grip and delight. Love it holds on tight and keeps you engaged. 10ha estate owned by Famille Gratiot-Attmane but with the Nicolas Thienpont team overseeing winemaking.
vWine Advocate: 96 Points
A beautiful effort that's more sensual and seamless than Thienpont's more structured brooding Pavie Macquin the 2020 Larcis Ducasse unwinds in the glass with aromas of cherries blackberries bay leaf rose petals and licorice. Medium to full-bodied layered and concentrated with refined tannins lively acids and a suave fleshy profile it concludes with a long expansive finish. This is a particular success in 2020.
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
Ripe polished and direct with cassis and black cherry puree forming the core while light black licorice violet and sweet tobacco details fill in steadily through the finish. A poised understated style. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025 through 2038. 2850 cases made.
