Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 29/02/2012
A complex set of aromas ranging from coffee to forest floor, herbs, licorice, blackberries, cassis and cherries all seem to jump from the glass, and then are joined by a hint of charcoal as well camphor. This is an impressive, full-bodied, dense, concentrated wine that is more up-front and approachable than the 2005 was at a similar stage, but it is remarkably expressive, full-bodied, dense and capable of lasting 20-25 years.

Showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, this wine comes very close to equaling the prodigious 2005 that was produced by consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare from the limestone hillsides of this terroir, the final blend was 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc that tipped the scales at 14.6% natural alcohol. It is a brilliant sample of wine, as this has long been one of the great terroirs of St.-Emilion, but under-exploited until nearly a decade ago.

This is another 2009 that does not live up to the extraordinary quality of the 2005, but it is a fascinating wine nevertheless. Composed of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, it tips the scales at 14.8% natural alcohol. The wunderkind team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt has produced a dense, rich, soft, relatively seamless, elegant example of Larcis Ducasse, without the concentration found in the 2005. The 2009 reveals a generous sweet spot in the middle along with lots of glycerin, and a wonderful round opulence, but I did not see the potential complexity or sheer concentration of their best wine to date, the 2005. Look for the 2009 to age easily for two decades. (Tasted four times.) (91-94)

95 - The deep garnet colored 2009 Larcis Ducasse sashays out of the glass with compelling scents of kirsch, dried roses, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of black tea, cigar box and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed.Lisa Perrotti-Brown, March 2019

Showing better than a previous bottle, the 2009 Larcis Ducasse is just now starting to come into its own, offering terrific, full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, licorice, espresso, and leafy herbs. This deep, rich, full-bodied effort has absorbed its oak élevage beautifully, has a layered, unctuous texture, and plenty of sweet tannin. It’s a heavenly Saint Emilion to enjoy over the coming 15+ years.

This has rich, sexy layers with powerful black pepper, olive, liquorice notes and crushed berry fruits. This is the most 'Right Bank' of the vertical, but still with the mouthwatering salinity and foot-on-the-break feel, giving a clear expression of the two sides of Larcis - clay power with limestone austerity. Brilliant. 55% new oak was used. Drinking Window 2019 - 2044
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Joanne negociant - Flight: luminous Larcis, 21 Sep 2019)
Part of Anson: Eight decades of Château Larcis Ducasse

Time has been good to this wine. Over the years it has filled out, while gaining in complexity and richness. With a strong sense, of salty minerality, the wine pops with its floral, licorice, cherry, truffle and earthy essence. That theme continues on the palate, finishing with sweet, ripe, red, smoky fruits. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 1-2 hours in the decanter, or perhaps 3-5 additional years in the cellar. Tasted Sept 2019

The 2009 Larcis Ducasse has an outstanding bouquet with black cherries, wild strawberry, dried herbs, touches of orange zest, veins of blue fruit emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that disguise the weight and heft of this Saint-Émilion. Very well balanced with savory, meat juices, curry powder and light leathery notes towards the persistent finish. This is just superb...but I wonder where it will be in ten years time? Tasted at the Larcis Ducasse vertical in Bordeaux.

Tons of ripe plum and damson here plus some bitter chocolate and balsamic richness that fill out the opulent body nicely. Generous supple tannins support the massive frame. Bold but long and harmonious finish. Drink or hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019) - Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com, March 2019