2023 Larcis Ducasse
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Tasting notes
A blend of 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc aged in a mix of barrels, 500-liter, and foudre (roughly 60% new oak), the 2023 Château Larcis Ducasse sports a deep purple hue as well as a great nose of ripe red and black fruits, smoky tobacco, chocolaty herbs, and graphite. This carries to a medium to full-bodied palate that has a round, layered, concentrated mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It's one of the richer, more textured, sexy, opulent wines in the vintage while still staying in the charming, pure, layered style of 2023. It will keep for 30 years or more in a cold cellar but will be shining with just 4-5 years of bottle age. Drink 2029-2055.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Larcis Ducasse is one of the most delicate, elegant wines in Saint-Émilion. Silky contours frame a core of dark red/purplish fruit, cloves, new leather, menthol and lavender. As always, Larcis Ducasse is all about finesse and reserve. It remains one of the most under-the-radar wines in all of Bordeaux. Readers with classically leaning palates will adore it. Tasted three times.
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.
The aromas are subtle and complete, with a lovely combination of ripe berries, wet earth and sea salt. Medium-bodied with a dense palate that becomes bright, vivid, crunchy and spicy, with a fresh pear undertone to the subtle plum aftertaste. Extremely complex. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc. So drinkable now, but better after 2028.
About the producer
Over the last two decades, Nicolas Thienpont and David Suire have forged this estate’s reputation – crafting increasingly impressive wines from its 11 hectares of south-facing slopes on clay-limestone soils.