Larcis Ducasse OWC-6 St Emilion – 2012

This beautiful property is perfectly situated next door to Chateau Pavie on south-facing limestone slopes leading up to the town of St.Emilion. The soils are a mix of limestone with the same blue clay underneath which makes the top wines of Pomerol so fantastic. As a result the vines never get too stressed, even in the warmest summers, as there is always enough water stored in the underlying clay and in the various natural wells under the vineyard.  In short, this is a magnificent property with one of the top locations in all Bordeaux – and definitely a rapidly rising star under the guidance of talented winemaker David Suire.

The 2012 has deep, dark fruit aromas. It’s just at that ideal stage where it converts from a fruit-driven wine to a mature wine, showing layered, dark fruit and undergrowth and truffle flavours. Velvet-smooth tannins. Perfect now! 95/100 PL September 2025

“This great terroir, long owned by the Gratiot family, has come to life under the inspired winemaking of Nicolas Thienpont and Stéphane Derenoncourt. Some recent vintages have been legendary efforts, especially 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The 2012 (83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc) is right in the competition, with an inky, opaque, bluish/purple color, gorgeously sweet, rich nose of black raspberries, black cherries and currants, and licorice. The wine hits the palate with a full-bodied, thunderous effect. This blend tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol, which is indicative of its fabulously exposed vineyard on a full, steep limestone slope with a primarily southern exposure. This is full-bodied, ripe and one of the great stars of the vintage – again. The wine has full-bodied texture, gorgeous purity, richness and length. Drink it over the next 20 years.” 95/100 Wine Advocate April 2015