Château Larcis-Ducasse

St-�milion 1er Grand Cru 'B' 2012

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  Vintage 2012
  95 points Wine Advocate Jr

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.

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  Vintage 2012
  90 points MW

Deep colour. Intense red plum, elderberry, redcurrant aromas - very jammy. Well concentrated red plum, redcurrant flavours, savoury oak and fine brambly dry tannins. Finishes like a fur ball with savoury ginger notes. (Barrel)