One of the real surprises in this tasting, the 2004 Larcis Ducasse is a gorgeous wine for near and medium term drinking. The first signs of aromatic development have set in, as evidenced by a striking bouquet of truffle, cedar, sandalwood and spice box. On the palate, the 2004 is dark and savory, with notable concentration, but in the mid-weight style of the vintage. The 2004 will probably not be as long lived as other wines in this vertical, but it is among the most satisfying today. March 2017

As is often how it goes, the last bottle from the case was the best. Still youthful in color, the nose offers chocolate fudge, black cherry, truffle and floral notes. Silky and fresh, with plenty of sweet, dark red fruits in the finish, the only thing holding this back, is a lack of hangtime in the finish. Decanted 30 minutes, this was rocking! On to my case of 2005! Tasted Jan 2018

The 2004 Larcis Ducasse is surprisingly deep in colour. It boasts a really lovely bouquet considering the vintage, one you might suspect belongs to a richer growing season like 2005: blackberry, raspberry coulis, mint and a touch of juniper berry and sandalwood. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well judged acidity, impressive in terms of fruit intensity: blackberry, cranberry and strawberry mixed with tobacco and black pepper. Very cohesive with a gentle grip on the finish, you could broach this 2004 Larcis Ducasse now, but it will unquestionably give another couple of decade’s drinking pleasure. Punches above its weight. Tasted at the Larcis Ducasse vertical in Bordeaux. Oct 2020

An outstanding effort from the dynamic winemaking duo of Stephane Derenoncourt and Nicolas Thienpont, the 2004 Larcis Ducasse (78% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon) possesses complex aromatics of damp forest floor, cedar, cinnamon, kirsch liqueur, black currants, and roasted coffee. Soft, supple tannin, low acidity, and an expansive, fleshy, medium to full-bodied mouthfeel result in a seductive, complex, delicious claret. Only 3,300 cases were produced from this great terroir that has an unbelievable exposition. Drink the 2004 over the next 12-15 years.

(tasted from cuve Deep ruby-red. Cherry, licorice, minerals and spices on the nose, with complicating suggestions of mushroom and earth. Sweet, bright and suave, with lovely floral lift to the cherry and mineral flavors. Very fine-grained, firm and long, finishing with noteworthy vibrancy. May 2006