Larcis Ducasse 2018 750ml

Larcis Ducasse is a Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé on the Côte Pavie, its terraced slope sitting between Château Pavie and Bellefont-Belcier, and quality has soared since Nicolas Thienpont and Stéphane Derenoncourt took charge. The 2018 is 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc, aged 18 months in 60% new oak, and Jeb Dunnuck awarded it a perfect 100 points, comparing it to the estate's 2005. He described blackcurrant, espresso, chocolate, iron and herbs over a dense, layered palate with sweet tannins and remarkable purity, all while staying balanced and elegant. Fewer than 3,000 cases were made. Give it a few more years; it should drink beautifully for decades.