critic reviews
A blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, the 2023 Larcis Ducasse fully matches expectations formed at the en primeur tastings. Unfurling from the glass with aromas of dark berries, fresh licorice, gentian, smoke and flowers, discreetly accented by oak, it is medium- to full-bodied, suave and velvety, built around a fleshy core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, concluding with a delicately saline finish.
The 2023 Larcis Ducasse is another that feels a little closed on the nose, yet there is good weight of fruit here. Clearly, a Saint-Émilion intent on biding its time. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. Quite peppery in style, fanning out wonderfully toward the finish with hints of bay leaf and white pepper on the aftertaste. It has real character.
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Larcis Ducasse delivers an initial burst of pure, ripe blueberries and crushed blackberries before opening out to hints of fragrant soil, rose oil, black truffle, and a beguiling waft of preserved mandarin peel. The medium to full-bodied palate is tightly wound like a spring, revealing black fruit, floral, and mineral nuances with a taut structure of firm fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing very long and fantastically layered. This is stunning.
Excellent quality, this is clearly going to age extremely, has depth, intensity and sculpted tannins, fine grained and sappy. Sweet character to the brambled damson and black cherry fruit, sage, rosemary, lavender, a great benchmark wine as ever, with salinity and grip. Tasted three times, once at the estate with owner Jacques-Olivier Gratiot. 43hl/ha yield, Nicolas Thienpont and David Suire celebrating their 22nd vintage together at the estate. 3.55ph, 50% in new barrels for ageing.