Château Larcis Ducasse

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Larcis Ducasse needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock notes of crushed blackberries, plum preserves and boysenberries with suggestions of black truffles, tapenade and crushed rocks coming through, building to a subtle underlying perfume of roses and cloves. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating black fruits and loads of savory sparks, framed by firm, slightly chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and earthy.

Tasted blind. Deep ruby colour. Gunpowder and blueberry fruit on the nose. Chalky, ripe and crunchy on the palate. Firm but bright in fruit. Will the tannins settle in time? Somewhat warming alcohol on the finish – it is in an awkward moment.

This is a wine that is showing lots of structure with tightly wound tannins that spin through the center palate. Full-bodied, intense and beautiful. Pure and real. Drink after 2025.