Château Larcis Ducasse, Grand Cru Classé, St Emilion,

Extreme in all the right ways - in the verticality, the salinity, the density, the forward motion and the stretching out through the palate. But it is also mouthwatering and drinkable, with a ton of blueberry and raspberry puree fruits alongside still austere tannins. Love it. Owned by the Gratiot-Attmane family, made by the Nicolas Thienpont team. 38.5hl/ha yield.

Composed of 88% Merlot and 12% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Larcis Ducasse is a deep garnet-purple color. It prances out with open-knit, flamboyant scents of crushed blueberries, preserved plums, kirsch, and Christmas cake, leading to wafts of candied violets, jasmine tea, crushed rocks, and iron ore. The full-bodied palate shimmers with energetic black and blue fruits, supported by velvety tannins and perfectly judged freshness, finishing long and fragrant.

The 2019 Larcis-Ducasse is classically-styled on the nose with tobacco and cedar infusing the black fruit, a little austere at first, yet there is a sense of stature. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, slightly candied in style but there is commendable structure behind this Saint-Émilion with a dash of black pepper on the finish. Exquisite. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting.