Château Larcis Ducasse

The picturesque Saint-Émilion property Château Larcis-Ducasse is a single 27-acre, south-facing plot that is mainly planted to Merlot with ever-increasing amounts of Cabernet Franc. This long-held family estate transformed into a Right Bank treasure with the introduction of the esteemed Thienpont family in 2002 as property manager. Overseeing nearly twenty properties, the Thienpont family has many jewels in its crown, including the globally-known estates of Le Pin, Vieux Château Certan, and Pavie-Macquin, which has established their reputation as a master of world-class expressions of Right Bank Bordeaux. Their efforts with Larcis Ducasse were rewarded with the 2012 upgrade to 1er Grand Cru Classé B, a distinction shared with only 11 other properties.

When Perfect Conditions meet Top Talent

To achieve such a prestigious title, Thienpont worked with Chief Winemaker David Suire to enhance various aspects of production in order to optimize quality in the Grand Vin. By adopting lower yields and transitioning to 100% organic farming, Larcis Ducasse now consistently produces grapes with more opulence and power, yet that retain the structural integrity necessary for developing complexity over the decades. Bordeaux’s outstanding 2005 vintage presented Larcis Ducasse with ideal conditions to fully display their signature expression, culminating in what is arguably their finest vintage to date.

Described by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson as “textbook perfection,” the 2005 vintage in Bordeaux brought dry, warm weather to Saint-Émilion, enhancing the tannic richness and density of fruit. In cooler years, the typical Larcis Ducasse expression tends towards more elegance and savory tones, but in this more exuberant vintage, these wines are brimming with notes of kirsch, brambly fruit, and preserved plum in addition to black truffle and a beguiling minerality. Jeb Dunnuck captures the essence of the 2005 Larcis Ducasse, stating, “It’s a magical, phenomenal Saint-Émilion that couldn’t get any better…Don’t miss this!”

Lightning In A Bottle 

Both Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker awarded the 2005 Larcis Ducasse 100 points, a true rarity that has elevated this bottling to elite status among wine collectors and underscored its exceptional standing among the great red wines of Bordeaux. See what all the frenzy and heed Jeb’s warning: “Don’t miss this!”