2021 Larcis Ducasse

Up with top wines of the vintage, the 2021 Château Larcis Ducasse is a beautiful Saint-Emilion based on 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc, with the Merlot harvested between September 29 and October 9, and the Cabernet from October 9 to October 11. From yields of 34 hectoliters per hectare and aged in 50% new barrels, its solid ruby/plum hue is followed by a beautiful nose of ripe red and black fruits, iron, dried tobacco, leather, and truffly earth. Medium to full-bodied (closer to medium-bodied), it has terrific mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a balanced, layered, elegant mouthfeel. As with most 2021s, it only needs a few years of bottle age and will have two decades of overall longevity.

The 2021 Larcis Ducasse has a more restrained bouquet compared to recent vintages, showing black plum, blackcurrant, vanilla pod and violet scents. There's opulence here, but it's compressed. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins, a bit angular at first with cola and brown spices. Linear toward the finish with fine sustain, it doesn't quite have the caliber of say, the La Gaffelière and its ilk, but it should give 15+ years of drinking pleasure.

The 2021 Larcis Ducasse has turned out better than I expected. It is a shy, introverted Larcis built along super-classic lines—the sort of Saint-Émilion that will emerge only with a number of years in bottle. Spice, tobacco, cedar, menthol, licorice and dried herbs all build effortlessly in the glass. This is such a classy, elegant wine. Tasted three times.