Larcis Ducasse 2017

St Emilion, Grand Cru Classé

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Tasting Notes

The 2017 Larcis-Ducasse was cropped at 34hl/ha from 18 to 29 September for the Merlot and 29 September to 2 October for the Cabernet Franc. It has a very high-toned, iodine-tinged bouquet that just lacks the usual harmony, and certainly the cohesion that I discerned apropos the 2015 and 2016 vintages at this early stage. The palate is underpinned by fine tannin and here demonstrates much more harmony than the aromatics. The black fruit is flecked by black pepper and subtle fennel notes, the tannins are quite fine and the finish is much more linear and stricter than recent vintages. It is a more classically styled Larcis-Ducasse this year but it should age well. I expect it will land towards the upper end of my banded score.

Score: 91 - 93

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2022-2040 01 May 2018

The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is a rich, sensual wine, with softer contours and more plushness than is typically the case, part of which is attributable to the vintage and part of which is the result of gentler winemaking. Dark red cherry and plum fruit is nicely pushed forward in this succulent, racy Saint-Émilion. Mocha, licorice and menthol wrap around the juicy, pliant finish. The 2017 is an especially succulent, racy Larcis. It has been consistently brilliant on the four occasions I have tasted it so far.

Score: 92 - 95

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 May 2018

The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is deep garnet-purple colored with a bombastic, gregarious nose of preserved plums, baked blackberries and mocha with hints of sautéed herbs, pencil lead and chargrilled meats plus a waft of yeast extract. The palate is big, rich and full-bodied with a very firm frame of chewy tannins and lashings of oak joining with opulent fruit, finishing long.

Score: 92 - 94

Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 27 April 2018

Deep crimson. Lifted and lots of red fruit, relatively light but silky and fresh. Falls away a little on the finish with a slight lack of fruit depth and follow through.

Score: 16

Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2022-2028 25 April 2018

Blueberries, blackberries, violets, licorice and ample crushed rock notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, tight, firm 2017 Larcis Ducasse, which comes from a magical terroir not far from Pavie. It doesn't have the density or depth of the 2015 or 2012, yet has beautiful purity of fruit, ripe tannins, and considerable elegance and purity. I suspect it will put on weight with time in barrel and evolve similarly to the 2008. The 2017 is 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc harvested from the 18th of September to the 2nd of October. 3,000 cases produced.

Score: 92 - 95

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 23 April 2018

Lovely blackberry and boysenberry puree flavors glide through, with suave toast, a pretty graphite note and a finely polished feel overall.

Score: 92 - 95

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 04 April 2018

A very pretty and structured red with blackberries, blueberries and hints of limestone character. Medium to full body, solid tannins and a real freshness underneath. Long and flavorful.

Score: 94 - 95

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 03 April 2018