Château Larcis-Ducasse, a picturesque 27-acre estate in Saint-Émilion, boasts a single, south-facing plot primarily planted with Merlot and ever-increasing amounts of Cabernet Franc. With roots reaching back to the Roman era, this long-held family estate has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades. 

Through meticulous viticulture and innovative winemaking techniques, Larcis-Ducasse has risen from relative obscurity to become one of the most sought-after producers in the region. The estate's dedication to excellence was rewarded in 2012 when it was elevated to the prestigious 1er Grand Cru Classé B status, an honor bestowed upon only 12 properties in Saint-Émilion. This extraordinary achievement cements Larcis-Ducasse's position among the elite of Right Bank Bordeaux, earning its place alongside the most revered names in the appellation.

Château Larcis-Ducasse: Estate History

In 1893, Henri Raba acquired Larcis-Ducasse, marking the beginning of the estate's modern era. The property remained in the Raba family for generations, passing from Henri to his niece, Helene Gratiot Alphandery, in 1941, and subsequently to her son, Jacques-Olivier Gratiot, who continues to oversee the estate today. In the early 2000s, the family made a pivotal decision that would elevate the Larcis-Ducasse wines to new heights: they enlisted the expertise of renowned consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt to manage the estate.

Larcis-Ducasse: Viticultural & Winemaking Philosophy 

Thienpont, whose family oversees nearly twenty prestigious properties, including the globally-recognized estates of Le Pin, Vieux Château Certan, and Pavie-Macquin, brought his wealth of experience in crafting world-class Right Bank Bordeaux to Larcis-Ducasse. Under his guidance, the estate implemented several key improvements, such as the creation of a new drainage system, the refinement of harvesting practices, and the bold transition to 100% organic farming methods, which began with the 2005 vintage.

The 11.3-hectare vineyard, boasting an average vine age of 35 years, is meticulously tended to ensure the highest quality grapes. The winemaking process at Larcis-Ducasse is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, employing an assortment of vessels, including cement tanks for whole berry fermentation, gravity flow systems, and French oak barrels for 14-17 months of aging. The resulting wines are known for their elegance, finesse, and a striking balance between rich fruit and mineral complexity. While many Saint-Émilion wines can be characterized by their opulence and power, Larcis-Ducasse stands out for its refined style, which showcases the nuances of its exceptional terroir.

Château Larcis-Ducasse St. Émilion Classification

The tireless efforts of Thienpont and his team were recognized in 2012 when Château Larcis-Ducasse was elevated to the prestigious 1er Grand Cru Classé B status, an accolade shared with only 11 other estates. This achievement stands as a testament to the remarkable improvements in quality and consistency that have become synonymous with the estate's wines.

Larcis-Ducasse 2005 Vintage: Perfect Conditions meet Top Talent

The 2005 vintage in Saint-Émilion was characterized by dry, warm weather conditions that enhanced tannic richness and fruit density, yielding bold and powerful wines. While the typical Larcis-Ducasse expression tends towards more elegance and savory tones in cooler years, the 2005 vintage provided the perfect conditions for the estate to craft a wine of exceptional character, resulting in what many consider to be their finest vintage to date. The 2005 Larcis-Ducasse is a testament to the estate's ability to adapt to the vintage and showcase the full potential of its terroir.

Described as "textbook perfection" by Master of Wine Jancis Robinson, the 2005 Larcis-Ducasse is a wine of remarkable complexity and opulent texture with ripe dark fruit flavors and a captivating minerality. This vintage has garnered critical acclaim from the world's most respected wine critics, with both Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker bestowing perfect 100-point scores upon this remarkable wine.

The 2005 Larcis-Ducasse is a must-have for serious collectors, as it represents the pinnacle of the estate's winemaking prowess and the outstanding quality of the 2005 vintage in Saint-Émilion. In the words of Jeb Dunnuck, "It's a magical, phenomenal Saint-Émilion that couldn't get any better...Don't miss this!"