Powerful but with a sense of restraint, this is extremely well handled in 2018. The difference between this and a more massive St-Emilion is subtle for sure - it`s unquestionably on the dark fruit register - but you notice it in the way that the tannins respond and bounce rather than stiffen up in the mouth. You can enjoy them as they close in around you rather than beg for air. The palate has lots of dark chocolate, liquorice and slate notes, with cassis and blackberry fruits. This is from south-facing slopes, so there`s plenty of ripeness in the grapes, but the limestone helps to temper it, along with the natural water sources that are found at this spot. Owned by Famille Gratiot-Attmane, but with the Nicolas Thienpont team overseeing winemaking. Drink 2026 - 2040. 95 points

89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc; 50% new oak. Black core with the thinnest of purple rims. Has both cassis and a more wild elderberry aroma. Tannins are really definite but not thick, firm but rounded, and there`s freshness to counterbalance the fullness and power. Long, blackcurrant finish. 16.5 points

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Larcis Ducasse features wonderfully expressive scents of baked black and red plums, kirsch, rose hip tea and cigar box with hints of pencil shavings, baked redcurrants and truffles plus a waft of licorice. Full-bodied and beautifully nuanced on the palate, it has layer upon layer of red and black fruit preserves with beautiful, velvety tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 96-98 points

A wine of total sophistication and class, Larcis Ducasse is fabulous in 2018. Freshly cut flowers, bright red fruit, espresso, licorice and wild flowers are all vibrant in the glass. The 2018 marries fruit intensity, energy and structure like few wines in this vintage. The 2018 is deceptive in its mid-weight structure, but it packs a real punch. There is an element of precision in Larc is that is truly remarkable. Even with all of its intensity, Larcis retains its characteristic linear feel and drive. I loved it. Tasted three times. 94-97 points

This is 89% Merlot, picked September 21st and from the 24th to the 26th, and 11% Cabernet Franc, picked October 1st and the 4th. The yield was 33 hl/ha, and the alcohol was 14.5%. It has an enticing yet paradoxical nose, dark and brooding yet also perfumed, with chalky freshness to the fruit, notes of dried cherries and salted black olives on one hand, fragrant violets and peonies on the other. The palate seems very fine, precise and yet supple at the start, composed and bright through the middle, with dark and savoury notes of black olive and coffee bean here, along with a glossy black plum and violet-cream substance. It is all underpinned by a beautifully polished array of tannins, in the middle, end and finish. Over the top there are little notes of tobacco leaf and vanilla pod, all of which only serve to reinforce the rich character of the wine. The quality of the tannins here, ripe and finely grained, well-knit, in the finish and length, is undeniable. A delicious result which proves this isn`t just a vintage for Cabernet Franc. Tasted twice. From my Bordeaux 2018 primeurs assessment. 96-98 points