2012 Chateau Larcis Ducasse Premier Grand Cru Classe B, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru

Vinous 93

The 2012 Larcis Ducasse remains quite deep in colour. It has an intense bouquet, although it has eased off the accelerator in recent years, exhibiting scents of blackberry, briary, sage and hints of iodine. There is a touch of precocity in situ, but it feels nicely contained and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannins, leaning to what one might describe as a “modern” style of Saint-Émilion. Velvety smooth in texture, there is a luxuriant carapace of new oak, but that is proportionate to the fruit concentration underneath. Afford it another three to five years in bottle. Excellent. Tasted at the Larcis Ducasse vertical in Bordeaux. [Neal Martin, 06/10/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2045

Robert Parker 95

This great terroir, long owned by the Gratiot family, has come to life under the inspired winemaking of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Some recent vintages have been legendary efforts, especially 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The 2012 (83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc) is right in the competition, with an inky, opaque, bluish/purple color, gorgeously sweet, rich nose of black raspberries, black cherries and currants, and licorice. The wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, thunderous effect. This blend tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol, which is indicative of its fabulously exposed vineyard on a full, steep limestone slope with a primarily southern exposure. This is full-bodied, ripe and one of the great stars of the vintage ” again. The wine has full-bodied texture, gorgeous purity, richness and length. Drink it over the next 20 years. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 25/03/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2035