2017 Larcis Ducasse (St-Emilion)

The 2017 Larcis-Ducasse was cropped at 34hl/ha from 18 to 29 September for the Merlot and 29 September to 2 October for the Cabernet Franc. It has a very high-toned, iodine-tinged bouquet that just lacks the usual harmony, and certainly the cohesion that I discerned apropos the 2015 and 2016 vintages at this early stage. The palate is underpinned by fine tannin and here demonstrates much more harmony than the aromatics. The black fruit is flecked by black pepper and subtle fennel notes, the tannins are quite fine and the finish is much more linear and stricter than recent vintages. It is a more classically styled Larcis-Ducasse this year but it should age well. I expect it will land towards the upper end of my banded score. 91-93 points

Grilled oak aromas, with blackberry fruit that struggles to make itself heard, although it does achieve a feeling of richness in the mouth. There is unquestionable impact through the palate, but it sits a little heavily on the finish. Despite this, they have maintained their signature style and deliver a wine of personality. 88 points

92% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc. 73% in the grand vin. Deep crimson. Lifted and lots of red fruit, relatively light but silky and fresh. Falls away a little on the finish with a slight lack of fruit depth and follow through. 16 points

The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is deep garnet-purple colored with a bombastic, gregarious nose of preserved plums, baked blackberries and mocha with hints of sautéed herbs, pencil lead and chargrilled meats plus a waft of yeast extract. The palate is big, rich and full-bodied with a very firm frame of chewy tannins and lashings of oak joining with opulent fruit, finishing long. 92-94 points