2006 CHÂTEAU LARCIS DUCASSE Grand Cru Classé Saint Emilion

Silky, with very fine tannins and a medium-to-long finish. Medium body. Caressing. Balanced and pretty. Lots of floral and berry character   89-91/100

Under the leadership of the extraordinarily talented team of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, this 25-acre estate on the Cote Pavie (one of St.-Emilion's finest terroirs) has soared in quality. The monumental 2005 Larcis Ducasse has been followed by another brilliant effort in 2006. Unfortunately, production is less than 3,000 cases. The final blend of 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc (from yields of 27-34 hectoliters per hectare) has resulted in a soft, opulent wine revealing notes of cedar, roasted herbs, smoke, black cherry liqueur, plums, and cassis. This savory, fleshy, attractive St.-Emilion possesses good power and depth, but no hardness. It should drink beautifully for 15 or more years. 2007-22   91-94/100

This is a great Larcis-Ducasse that is coming on leaps and bounds. It has a complex bouquet of red-berried fruit, dried apricot, tomato vine, thyme and a touch of white pepper. Very well defined if still closed. The palate is medium-bodied, firm tannins, very well balanced and poised, a complex animal, broody towards the finish but compelling. Good length. Excellent.   93/100

Racy, sinewy, silky. Quite light but very well-oiled - like a racehorse. Pretty impressive. Appetising but relatively slim. Not especially long but it somehow tastes organic - wild and unpredictable. Very dry sandy tannins on the finish. One sample seemed a little too skinny. 2011-18   17

Ruby-red. Aromas of kirsch, blackberry, violet and minerals. Suave on entry, then vibrant and firm in the middle, with perfumed flavors of blackberry, flowers and minerals. An elegantly styled wine whose 20% cabernet franc component contributes strong minerality and site character. Finishes with fine tannins and very good aromatic persistence. An excellent performance for the vintage.   89-92/100

Would have been difficult to better the 2005 but this is still a superb wine. Generous fruit, precision of flavour, firm, ripe, minerally tannins and lovely freshness and length. 2014-25   ****