Ch. Larcis Ducasse Premier Grand Cru Classe B St. Emilion 2012 750ml

This great terroir, long owned by the Gratiot family, has come to life under the inspired winemaking of Nicolas Thienpont and St??phane 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.

(WA-Apr 2015)