2025 Château Larcis Ducasse Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé

EXCLUSIVE - EXPECTED SPRING 2028

Winery Château Larcis Ducasse

Château Larcis Ducasse belongs to the elite of Saint-Émilion as a Premier Grand Cru Classé and is situated on the famous Côte Pavie, just outside the village of Saint-Émilion. The estate has been in the hands of the Gratiot-Attmane family since 1893 and has for years been regarded as one of the most underrated top estates of the appellation. Under the leadership of Technical Director David Suire, the emphasis is strongly on terroir expression, precision, and refinement. The style of Larcis Ducasse combines power with striking elegance and a distinct chalky signature. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab.

Region, climate and location

Château Larcis Ducasse is situated on an exceptional slope in the heart of the Grande Côte of Saint-Émilion. The approximately 11 hectares of vineyards form a natural south-facing staircase of limestone and clay soils, with a striking interplay of elevation differences, exposure, and natural springs emerging deep beneath the calcareous subsoil.

The terroir is particularly complex. On the higher part, white calcareous clay soils provide tension and freshness, while the mid-slope brings a richer, more powerful expression thanks to deep clay influences. The plateau provides minerality and an almost saline precision, while lower-lying plots offer extra depth and earthy complexity. It is precisely this combination of dryness and natural freshness that defines the unique style of Larcis Ducasse.

The 2025 vintage was characterized by a warm and dry summer, but thanks to the limestone and natural water reserves, the wine retained a remarkable amount of freshness. Small grapes ensured concentration, while rain at the end of August brought extra balance. According to the château itself, 2025 is all about light, freshness, and harmony.

Vineyards and grape varieties

The blend of Château Larcis Ducasse 2025 consists of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. Merlot forms the heart of the wine and benefited optimally from the deep clay and limestone soils, providing texture, depth, and roundness. Cabernet Franc adds extra aromatic precision, tension, and floral refinement. The estate comprises 11.34 hectares, of which approximately 10.5 hectares are in production. The average age of the vines is about 38 years. Thanks to the steep slopes and wide variety of terroirs, work can be carried out plot by plot with extreme precision. The yield was approximately 40 hectoliters per hectare, relatively generous for a top Saint-Émilion, but remarkably concentrated thanks to the small grapes.

Harvest, vinification and aging

The harvest took place between September 10 and 18 for the Merlot and on September 17 and 18 for Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested plot by plot at optimal ripeness, with full manual selection.

The maceration lasted approximately 25 to 28 days, slightly shorter than in some previous years to preserve elegance and finesse. According to Antonio Galloni, a gentler extraction was deliberately chosen to fully respect the natural tension and refinement of the terroir.

Aging lasts 16 to 18 months in a combination of French oak barriques, 500-liter demi-muids, and large foudres. The maturation consists of approximately 40% traditional casks, 40% larger wooden casks, and 20% foudres. This mix helps to preserve both structure and precision without overpowering the terroir. Larcis Ducasse was one of the first Bordeaux estates to deliberately work with larger wooden sizes to bring out chalky terroirs in a more refined way.

Color, smell and taste

Château Larcis Ducasse 2025 opens intensely and refined at the same time, with deep aromatic layers. Ripe black cherries, cassis, dark plums, and red currants are complemented by violets, peonies, and lavender. Behind these follow notes of graphite, wet stones, orange zest, liquorice, mocha, and subtle spiciness.

On the palate, the wine combines power with striking refinement. The texture feels broad and creamy, yet retains an impressive tension and precision. The tannins are very fine-grained and velvety, while lively acidity provides energy and length. Despite the warm vintage, the wine never feels heavy.

The calcareous subsoil gives the wine a pronounced mineral signature, sometimes almost chalky or slightly saline. Several tasters note a combination of floral elegance, tension, and depth that is exceptionally rare. Towards the finish, nuances of blood orange, black olive, herbs, and limestone emerge, with a remarkable freshness that lingers for a long time.

What impresses most is the balance. Larcis Ducasse 2025 possesses concentration, depth, and ripeness, yet remains refined, linear, and almost serene in its structure.

Summary of professional reviews

According to many critics, Château Larcis Ducasse 2025 belongs to the absolute top of Saint-Émilion. Yves Beck awards a perfect 100 points and praises the combination of freshness, chalky tension, and precision. Jeb Dunnuck (97-99) calls it one of the best wines of the vintage. Antonio Galloni (95-97, Vinous) emphasizes the exceptional balance between power and finesse. Neal Martin (95-97, Vinous) praises the silky texture and perfect tension. Yohan Castaing of Wine Advocate (95-97) calls it one of the most complete Larcis Ducasse ever made. The full review texts can be found in the tab: Professional reviews.

Wine & Food Pairing and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.