Larcis-Ducasse St-Émilion 2009

96 points Robert Parker: "A complex set of aromas ranging from coffee to forest floor, herbs, licorice, blackberries, cassis and cherries all seem to jump from the glass, and then are joined by a hint of charcoal as well camphor. This is an impressive, full-bodied, dense, concentrated wine that is more up-front and approachable than the 2005 was at a similar stage, but it is remarkably expressive, full-bodied, dense and capable of lasting 20-25 years. Showing better from bottle than it did from barrel, this wine comes very close to equaling the prodigious 2005 that was produced by consultants Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt. Cropped at 25 hectoliters per hectare from the limestone hillsides of this terroir, the final blend was 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc that tipped the scales at 14.6% natural alcohol. It is a brilliant sample of wine, as this has long been one of the great terroirs of St.-Emilion, but under-exploited until nearly a decade ago. Drink: 2012-2037. (Dec 2011)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2009 Larcis Ducasse is an exotic, flamboyant wine endowed with remarkable depth and pure pedigree. Sweet tobacco, mint, pine and red-fleshed fruits are front and center. Even with all of its voluptuousness and richness, the 2009 is firm and quite tannic. Readers should be prepared to cellar it for at least a handful of years. Drink: 2024-2049. (Mar 2017)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Showing better than a previous bottle, the 2009 Larcis Ducasse is just now starting to come into its own, offering terrific, full-bodied aromas and flavors of blackcurrants, licorice, espresso, and leafy herbs. This deep, rich, full-bodied effort has absorbed its oak élevage beautifully, has a layered, unctuous texture, and plenty of sweet tannin. It’s a heavenly Saint Emilion to enjoy over the coming 15+ years. Drink: 2018-2033. (2/15/18)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "The deep garnet colored 2009 Larcis Ducasse sashays out of the glass with compelling scents of kirsch, dried roses, Black Forest cake and crème de cassis with hints of black tea, cigar box and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tautly structured with ripe, grainy tannins and lovely freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Drink: 2020-2040. (Mar 2019)"

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(81% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc) This is a great 2009, showing that even when many in St Emilion were going long on extraction, here at Larcis Ducasse they were letting the terroir speak. Perhaps not as structurally precise and pure in its fruit expression as you would find today, but this is at a lovely moment to drink, with blackberry fruits, finely spun tannins, chocolate drops, sweet red liquorice, violet flowers, sea spray. Nicolas Thienpont director, Gratiot-Attmane owners, 55% new oak for ageing. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink 2024-2040. (9/17/24)"

95 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "This has rich, sexy layers with powerful black pepper, olive, liquorice notes and crushed berry fruits. This is the most 'Right Bank' of the vertical, but still with the mouthwatering salinity and foot-on-the-break feel, giving a clear expression of the two sides of Larcis - clay power with limestone austerity. Brilliant. 55% new oak was used. Drinking Window: 2019-2044. (9/20/19)"

95 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "A blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, the 2009 Larcis Ducasse is deep garnet colored. It charges out with bold, beautiful notes of licorice, prunes, blueberry compote, and fresh figs, followed by suggestions of chargrill, wood smoke, and cigar box. The full-bodied palate is mature, delivering loads of dried berries and earthy layers with a velvety texture, finishing long with just enough freshness. Drink it now and over the next 10-12 years+. Alcohol 14.5%. Drink: 2022-2036. (9/28/22)"

95 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Time has been good to this wine. Over the years it has filled out, while gaining in complexity and richness. With a strong sense, of salty minerality, the wine pops with its floral, licorice, cherry, truffle and earthy essence. That theme continues on the palate, finishing with sweet, ripe, red, smoky fruits. More aging could help soften things, so either give it 1-2 hours in the decanter, or perhaps 3-5 additional years in the cellar. (Sep 2019)"