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Bordeaux 2024: Château Larcis Ducasse

Written by JW. Posted in Bordeaux

Château Larcis Ducasse has one of the most enviable terroirs in Bordeaux. Perched up on the slopes of the sunny Côte Pavie in St Emilion, this ten-hectare hillside vineyard lies on a natural south facing staircase of soils which are a mixture of clay and limestone. This solar aspect is tempered by natural water sources that run deep beneath the limestone, water springs which can nourish the deep-rooted vines in the driest of summers. But how does it fare in a less solar vintages? Great terroir usually confers advantages in all seasons. Even in a wetter, less sunny vintage like 2024, a hillside vineyard allows for freer drainage and drying winds, tempering humidity and rainfall effects. For over twenty years Nicolas Thienpont has been the winemaker here at Larcis Ducasse, working with David Suire alongside. In July 2024 Nicolas retired and David Suire stays on as director for the Gratiot-Attmane family. Château Larcis Ducasse has been on a roll here in recent years with fantastic wines in my book in 2023, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2015. So, what is the verdict on Larcis Ducasse 2024?

The vintage here began on 24 September and lasted until 3 October for the Merlots. The Cabernet Franc was harvested on 7 October. Seventy percent of the wine has made it into the grand vin this year which will go into 50% new oak and 50% one year old oak for approximately sixteen to eighteen months. The final blend is 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc and comes in a comparatively fresh 13.5% alcohol. This is an exceptionally fine glass of 2024 which is undoubtedly the most impressive red I have yet had the opportunity to taste. It has also been released in the UK at a competitive price too [£38 or $50 a bottle approximately] which I think makes it the cheapest Larcis Ducasse on the market. That said it is worth seeking out the 2019 which is in bottle now and can be found for as little as £240 per six in bond.

The following notes were taken in mid-May from samples sent from Bordeaux by the property.

Château Larcis Ducasse, St Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé, 2024

Deep; legs; colour bold and tight to the rim but fresh purple at edge; bolder, sweeter and deeper aromatics than many in this vintage; minerality too; pure plummy tones emerge; pretty in fact; fresh; emphasis on the minerality at first but plenty of plummy fresh fruit emerges beneath as it opens; some tar, spice and liquorice notes too; fresh on the palate with delicious and enticing purity; has genuine depth but wonderfully soft tannin extraction; good length on the finish. About as good a wine as you can imagine 2024 can deliver. Bravo to David Suire who had now taken over here as sole director following the retirement of the sagacious Nicolas Thienpont. [10.5ha, 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 50% new oak, yield 41hl/ha, 13.5% alc]. Tasted 17.5.25. Drink 2029-2044. 95-97+

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