Chateau Larcis-Ducasse is a Premier Grand Cru Classe B estate in the Saint-Emilion AOC of Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Already extremely popular and highly sought-after in the 16th century, Larcis Ducasse’s wines have continued to garner praise into the 21st century. It’s ownership has been in the same family since 1893.

Chateau Larcis-Ducasse’s 11 hectares of closely-grouped blocks occupies the tip of the famous Cote Pavie hill, west of Chateau Pavie and north of Chateau Troplong Mondot. The vineyards enjoy a fully south-facing position and are planted with 78% Merlot and 22% Cabernet Franc. Soil types range from alluvial sand deposits, to limestone, clay and chalk. The vines average 35 years of age.

Since 2002, Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt have led a new winemaking team. They have worked to further increase wine quality, investing considerably in the vineyard and cellar. They combine traditional methods with innovative techniques to complement the flavors of the land. Among the changes have been a new drainage system for the vineyard and an extended harvest that picks over several weeks as the various blocks become ready.

Chateau Larcis-Ducasse’s terroir produces wonderfully ripe grapes which result in complex, well-structured wines with fresh fruit and mineral flavors. These characteristics are, in part, attributable to the different bedrocks found on the property, from the limestone of the plateau to the iron-rich feldspar sand at the base of the slope.

Viticultural methods are as natural as possible. Yields are kept low in the vineyard were grape varieties were planted according to soil type. In the cellar, grapes undergo a gentle maceration to avoid over-extraction. Vinification takes place in concrete tanks with no pump-over. After fermentation, the wine is aged in barrel for eighteen months.

The 2014 Larcis-Ducasse is a Bordeaux Blend from the prestigious Saint Emilion sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine exemplifies the classic style and elegance that the region is known for. With a deep, ruby red color, this wine is visually enticing from the start.

On the nose, the 2014 Larcis-Ducasse is still young, but it is bursting with potential. Aromas of blackberry, wild strawberry, and pain d'épices (spiced bread) create a complex and inviting bouquet. There is also a subtle hint of meat juices, adding depth and intrigue to the aroma profile.

The palate of this wine is medium-bodied, with supple tannins and fine acidity. There is a slight chewiness on the entry, which gives way to flavors of tobacco, cedar, and a touch of leather. These savory elements beautifully complement the red fruit notes, creating a harmonious and balanced flavor profile.

Notable wine critics have praised the 2014 Larcis-Ducasse for its character and structure. Neal Martin of Vinous awarded this wine a score of 93, noting its potential and complexity. Wine Spectator also gave it a score of 93, highlighting the dark fig and boysenberry fruit flavors, as well as the substantial chalky spine that pulls everything together.

James Suckling, another renowned critic, awarded the 2014 Larcis-Ducasse an impressive score of 96. He described the nose as "glorious" with strawberry, wet-earth, blackberry, and dark-mushroom character. Suckling also praised the wine's full body, solid fruit core, and beautiful tannins.

Overall, the 2014 Larcis-Ducasse is a wine that showcases the best of Saint Emilion. It is a wine with great potential for aging, but it can also be enjoyed now with a proper decanting. Whether you choose to drink it in the near future or cellar it for a few more years, this wine is sure to impress with its elegance, complexity, and refined structure.