Château Larcis-Ducasse Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2015

A more elegant, finesse-driven style of cuvee than normal, the 2015 Château Larcis-Ducasse is comprised of close to 90% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc. It reveals a terrific bouquet of cassis, spring flowers, cedary spice and forest floor, with more graphite and lead pencil nuances developing as it sat in the glass. With full-bodied richness, a tight, backward, yet promising style on the palate, beautiful tannin quality, and a great finish, it's an undeniably classy, balanced 2015 that will reward 2-4 years of bottle age.

The 2015 Larcis-Ducasse is showing just a touch of brettanomyces on the nose that obscures the terroir expression. This is broody and introverted, perhaps closed down for the time being. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin, quite masculine and strict. It feels like there is a lot of Cabernet Franc here (although there is just 13% in the blend). Yet there is plenty of freshness, quite classic in style with a long and precise finish. Excellent, but not as immediate as its peers. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Larcis Ducasse opens with opulent scents of blueberry pie, baked plums and spice cake with nuances of unsmoked cigars, dusty soil, licorice and a touch of salami. Big, rich, full-bodied and incredibly impactful on the palate, it proudly struts its bold black and blue fruits with a plush, velvet-textured cape, finishing long and spicy.

This nearly gushes with succulent plum, blackberry and black currant preserve flavors, but they stay on the racy and refined side overall, flecked with anise, Lapsang souchong tea and violet notes. A lovely chalky spine controls the finish with a deft hand. Best from 2020 through 2035. 2,375 cases made.