Larcis Ducasse 2002

Open-knit, charming, earthy, and herbaceous, with abundant quantities of sweet black cherry and currant fruit as well as a tremendous fragrance, this is a sensual, lush, rich claret that transcends the vintage characteristic of hard, tannic, structured wines. Ripe, but not nearly as concentrated as the 2003, this enormously appealing 2002 should be drunk over the next 6-7 years.

This 26.7-acre vineyard merits serious consideration. For more than five decades, this fabulous terroir (just down the street from Pavie), with a brilliant south-facing exposition on pure clay and limestone soils, with vines averaging 40 years of age, made one mediocrity after another. That all changed after the outstanding duo of Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt arrived as consultants in 2002. Larcis Ducasse is a blend of 75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Drink 2010-16 Some development and very good density. Leafy, green nose. Transparent and very much in 'lesser vintage' vein but a nicely balanced whole, even if a bit inky on the particularly firm finish.

This wine has more texture, concentration, and complexity than any vintage since 1945! Its dark plum/purple color is accompanied by big, sweet aromas of hot rocks intermixed with black cherries, dried herbs, and a smoky, spicy component. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with loads of fruit, muscle, and depth, this may be the finest Larcis Ducasse in many years. A sleeper of the vintage, Larcis Ducasse appears to be moving in the right direction with this 2002. This estate is situated on the same southern-facing, phenomenally-sited hillside as Pavie, and just about every Bordeaux old timer will tell you that this terroir has unlimited potential. This is the first vintage where the talented winemaking gurus Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt were brought in to oversee the winemaking and upbringing. The results are obvious. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015