95-97

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2025 Larcis Ducasse is another exceptional wine from one of the most under-the-radar estates in Saint-Émilion. Dark red-fleshed fruits, rose petal, lavender, mocha, licorice, sage and graphite are all seamless in the glass. The 2025 marries power with finesse to a degree that is exceptionally rare. Lively acids and lifted floral overtones brighten the long, resonant finish. The 2025 spent 23-24 days on skins, a bit shorter than most years. Élevage takes place in 40% French oak barrels, 40% 500-liter barrels and 20% 25-hectoliter foudre. Wines from clay-based soils tend to be raised in barrique to soften them, while wines from limestone-rich soils are naturally more delicate and typically aged in larger-format wood. Larcis was one of the first properties in Bordeaux to introduce large-format wood, a choice that works so well for this site and these wines. This is a stellar effort from Technical Director David Suire, who has been at the helm since 2022. Tasted three times. 04/2026

95-97

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2025 Larcis Ducasse has a gorgeous bouquet already, with pure blackberry and cassis fruit, seamlessly integrated new oak, retaining focus and delineation. The palate is medium-bodied, with very fine lace-like tannins, perfectly judged acidity, bright acids towards the finish upholding tension and a silky texture that is totally disarming. Outstanding. 05/2026

95-97

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Matured 40% in barrels (50% new), 45% in large-format barrels (also 50% new) and the balance in foudres, the 2025 Larcis Ducasse reveals an elegant, vibrant and gourmand bouquet of violet, dark berries, dark cherries and flowers, accented by delicate spicy notes. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s built around a ripe—yet not overripe—core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a floral, harmonious and ethereal finish. This is a pure expression of Larcis Ducasse and one of the most accomplished renditions produced here to date. 04/2026

97-99

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

A Merlot-heavy blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2025 Château Larcis Ducasse sports a dense purple hue as well as incredible aromatics of ripe currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with smoky tobacco, graphite, and crushed stone. Aged in a mix of 225-liter barriques (45%), 500-liter demi-muids (40%), and foudres (15%), it checks in at 13.8% alcohol with a pH of 3.5. Deep, rich, and full-bodied on the palate, it has a broad, layered mouthfeel, ripe, velvety tannins, and a great finish. It might end up being in the top handful of wines in the vintage. 05/2026

97

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire, aux reflets pourpres. Nez intense, fruité. Nuances de fruits noirs rafraîchis. Complexe à l'agitation du verre. Minutieux en entrée de bouche, savoureux au milieu, avec un gras fin parcourant le palais, le vin évolue complet, juteux, noble, vers une longue finale complexe aux parfums profonds. C'est superbe ! Je ne l'avais pas goûté de la sorte depuis le millésime 2016. Assemblage : 90 % Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc. Degré d'alcool : 14°. 04/2026

95-96

James Suckling

James Suckling

Well composed, balanced, seductive and vivid. Medium-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Well shaped, with an inspired and focus mid-palate. Flavorful and lingering finish. 04/2026