Top Vintages
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Top Vintages
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Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
A brilliant wine in the making, I'd put the 2021 La Mondotte up with the crème de la crème from the Right Bank. Offering up terrific cassis, blueberry, and darker cherry fruits, it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe, polished tannins, terrific balance, and subtle floral and chalky mineral-like nuances. It brings way more density, depth, and texture than just about every other wine out there. Bravo.Inc. TAX€1,044.47 -
(6x75cl) 2023James Suckling (97-98)
A dense yet agile wine with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that spread across the palate, running the length of the wine and helping it to last for minutes on the finish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€807 - €959 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
I’ve had many brilliant bottles of the 2005 Château Larcis Ducasse but it’s never shown as spectacularly as on this occasion. It’s a magical, phenomenal Saint-Emilion that couldn’t get any better. Stunningly pure crème de cassis, white truffle, white flowers, cedar pencil, and smoked earth nuances all emerge from this incredibly powerful, opulent wine that has the hallmark minerality, freshness and focus of this great terroir. Don’t miss this!Inc. TAX€1,664.95 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Hard to believe this. It has a minerality and intensity like a great white wine with so much chalky character that it gives an oyster shell flavor. Full and racy. Shaking my head in intrigue. Wonderfully silky tannins.Inc. TAX€1,280.77 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Hard to believe this. It has a minerality and intensity like a great white wine with so much chalky character that it gives an oyster shell flavor. Full and racy. Shaking my head in intrigue. Wonderfully silky tannins.Inc. TAX€803.58 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2016 Larcis Ducasse is absolutely gorgeous. Fresh, vibrant and alluring, with tremendous vibrancy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive savory and blood orange notes add brightness to the red cherry and plum fruit, with beams of firm yet well-integrated tannins that give the wine its shape and energy. In 2016, Larcis brings together undeniable raciness and power in a complete package that is irresistibly beautiful. Give it a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften.Inc. TAX€714.78 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Pliant and deep, with terrific fruit purity, Larcis possesses striking fruit purity and tons of resonance. Red cherry, blood orange, pomegranate, mint, spice, licorice and mocha infuse the 2017 with striking complexity as well as nuance. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Larcis is never one of the most obvious wines in Saint-Émilion, but it is often among the most regal. Best of all, Larcis remains one of the best values anywhere in the world.Inc. TAX€531.18 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.Inc. TAX€1,508.77 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.Inc. TAX€863.33 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.Inc. TAX€961.06 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.Inc. TAX€1,598.77 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.Inc. TAX€672.78 -
James Suckling (98-99)
A full-bodied red that’s powerful, very rich and very deep. Floral and spicy with dried fruit, earth, tobacco and mushrooms. Dense center palate. Great depth. Traditional.Inc. TAX€418.38 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)
A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection is the 2020 Château Larcis Ducasse. It’s a Saint-Emilion with an almost Pomerol-like depth and power paired with classic Saint-Emilion aromatics and minerality. Incredibly pure notes of black cherries, blackberries, white flowers, truffle, and leafy herb notes all emerge on the nose and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, thrilling tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. If you get a chance, buy it. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 55% new French oak.Inc. TAX€1,346.77 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)
A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection is the 2020 Château Larcis Ducasse. It’s a Saint-Emilion with an almost Pomerol-like depth and power paired with classic Saint-Emilion aromatics and minerality. Incredibly pure notes of black cherries, blackberries, white flowers, truffle, and leafy herb notes all emerge on the nose and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, thrilling tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. If you get a chance, buy it. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 55% new French oak.Inc. TAX€594.78 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Already has an expressive nose of blackcurrants, blackberries, white pepper, cloves and black licorice. Salty minerality. Fresh and fine. Spicy finish. Lengthy, too. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Inc. TAX€661.67 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
Tasted on multiple occasions and one of the legendary wines in the making from this vintage, the 2022 Château Larcis Ducasse clocks in as 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc that's still resting in 55% new French oak. A hypothetical blend of the 2005 and 2018, it's a deep, powerful, opulent Saint-Emilion offering an incredible array of black cherries, blackberries, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and graphite-driven aromas and flavors. With a rich, full-bodied, expansive mouthfeel, it has ultra-fine tannins, beautiful symmetry in its tannins, acidity, and fruit, no hard edges, and a killer finish. I was lucky enough to taste this on four separate occasions and I thought it had the potential to be a perfect wine every time.Inc. TAX€662.87 -
(3x150cl) 2023James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Here is an example of a wine that had a lovely, perfumed, soft, berry bouquet, and moderately intense flavors, yet because of extensive oak aging, now tastes hard, astringent, tannic, and deficient in fruit. The color is very sound, the bouquet suggests vanillin, woodsy aromas, but on the palate, the wine is unyielding and ungenerous. Perhaps time will unleash the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 3/87.Inc. TAX€2,012.84 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (93)
(95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.57 pH; 70 IPT; 13.9 % alcohol): Deep ruby with a hint of amber at the edge. Initially slightly reduced nose of coffee grounds and underbrush opens slowly with air to reveal red cherry jam, cassis, and tobacco. Then lush, round and rich in the mouth, displaying plum, blackberry and tobacco flavors of noteworthy freshness and finishes with rather soft tannins. Opulent for Magdelaine yet beautifully balanced--and much better than I remembered it. The suave finish features sneaky concentration and a persistent note of tobacco. A superb Magdelaine that is already drinking well and probably won't gain much by further cellaring, though it should remain at this plateau for another ten years. The vintage was characterized by a February heatwave (one day even recorded an unbelievable 26°C!), but bad weather during the flowering period caused considerable coulure and the cabernets in particular were variable in quality from estate to estate. A very hot, dry July and August (40°C on July 21 and 22) really stamped its character on the 1990s, leading to many scorched, sunburned berries. It was also important to harvest the merlot prior to the weekend of September 22 and 23, when a thunderstorm hit. On the basis of this wine, I'd say they got it all right at J. P. Moueix.Inc. TAX€3,971.82 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (94+)
(a blend of 95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.53 pH; IPT 65; 13.8% alcohol): Bright ruby. Sexy, compelling nose of blackcurrant, violet, white pepper and minerals is an absolute knockout. Then very refined on the palate, with a delicate spiciness to the blackcurrant, red plum and mineral flavors, but with noteworthy fleshiness and ripeness lifted by harmonious acidity. This is a very great and impeccably balanced Magdelaine in the making. Finishes long and silky, with a persistent strawberry note. Jean-Claude Berrouet considers this to be a classic Magdelaine: very well balanced and delicious. I think this is an excellent example of just how easy it is to misjudge Magdelaine on release and how well it develops in bottle in strong vintages.Inc. TAX€2,546.36 -
Wine Enthusiast (91)
As often with Magdelaine in recent vintages, this is on the austere side. Its firm tannins and structure dominate the fruit. That said, it does have bright fruit underneath all this tightness, and is finely balanced, the berry fruits lifted with some intense acidity. It needs another few months to settle in bottle.Inc. TAX€1,436.84 -
Wine Advocate (94)
A property that has largely been replanted over the last 25 years, the 2009 is one of the best the firm of Jean-Pierre Moueix has yet released from this estate. Eighty percent of this vineyard sits on the limestone plateau and 20% on the hillsides, and the 2009 displays a classic confiture of black cherries, some crushed rocks and spring flowers in a full-bodied, yet at the same time, ethereal and rather elegant style. The wine has gorgeous fruit purity, a broad, luscious texture, and more density and richness than one normally finds in this somewhat finesse-styled wine, which seems to have achieved more depth and potential in 2009. This should be drinkable in 5-6 years and keep for 25 or more.Inc. TAX€2,186.36 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Greatest wine ever made at this estate. A breathtaking wine to drink now, but please wait. Lots of fruit, spice and tomato character. Full-bodied and very velvety, with a long, flavorful finish. Now or later, it's hard to resist.Inc. TAX€1,025.86 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully.Inc. TAX€1,737.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully.Inc. TAX€1,514.77 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Pale to medium garnet-brick in color, the 1998 Pavie Macquin simply sings with incredibly pure, spritely notes of blueberry preserves, blackberry pie and black cherry compote, revealing loads of eucalyptus, mocha, dried lavender and Chinese five spice accents. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is has wonderfully seductive blue and black fruit layers, framed by velvety tannins and the perfect amount of freshness to create tantalizing tension, finishing with incredible length and depth. Effortlessly delicious and yet possessing plenty of subtext for intellectual stimulation, I just love where this compelling '98 is at right now!Inc. TAX€2,186.77 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
A beautiful crushed rock/liqueur of minerality characterizes this inky/purple-hued St.-Emilion. Tannic, with lots of pure black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with a notion of charcoal as well as the aforementioned rocky/powdered stone component, this long distance runner requires another 5-6 years of cellaring. It should age easily through 2030+.Inc. TAX€1,371.98 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, from a cool limestone terroir on the plateau, the 2005 Château Pavie Macquin is extraordinary juice, and the finest vintage of this cuvee I’ve ever tasted. Sporting a saturated purple color as well as an off the hook bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberries, smoked earth, chocolate, and Asian spices, with a sensational sense of minerality developing with time in the glass. Deep, full-bodied, massively concentrated, and multi-dimensional, it’s just now at the early stages of its drinking plateau and it will probably keep for another 2-3 decades. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles of this in the cellar!Inc. TAX€1,823.74
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Jeb Dunnuck (94-97)
A brilliant wine in the making, I'd put the 2021 La Mondotte up with the crème de la crème from the Right Bank. Offering up terrific cassis, blueberry, and darker cherry fruits, it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe, polished tannins, terrific balance, and subtle floral and chalky mineral-like nuances. It brings way more density, depth, and texture than just about every other wine out there. Bravo.In Bond€848.00 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (97-98)
A dense yet agile wine with blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and citrus aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins that spread across the palate, running the length of the wine and helping it to last for minutes on the finish. 80% merlot and 20% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€807 - €959 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
I’ve had many brilliant bottles of the 2005 Château Larcis Ducasse but it’s never shown as spectacularly as on this occasion. It’s a magical, phenomenal Saint-Emilion that couldn’t get any better. Stunningly pure crème de cassis, white truffle, white flowers, cedar pencil, and smoked earth nuances all emerge from this incredibly powerful, opulent wine that has the hallmark minerality, freshness and focus of this great terroir. Don’t miss this!In Bond€1,375.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Hard to believe this. It has a minerality and intensity like a great white wine with so much chalky character that it gives an oyster shell flavor. Full and racy. Shaking my head in intrigue. Wonderfully silky tannins.In Bond€1,030.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
Hard to believe this. It has a minerality and intensity like a great white wine with so much chalky character that it gives an oyster shell flavor. Full and racy. Shaking my head in intrigue. Wonderfully silky tannins.In Bond€651.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)
The 2016 Larcis Ducasse is absolutely gorgeous. Fresh, vibrant and alluring, with tremendous vibrancy, the 2016 has so much to offer. Expressive savory and blood orange notes add brightness to the red cherry and plum fruit, with beams of firm yet well-integrated tannins that give the wine its shape and energy. In 2016, Larcis brings together undeniable raciness and power in a complete package that is irresistibly beautiful. Give it a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften.In Bond€577.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (96)
The 2017 Larcis Ducasse is just as compelling from bottle as it was from barrel. Pliant and deep, with terrific fruit purity, Larcis possesses striking fruit purity and tons of resonance. Red cherry, blood orange, pomegranate, mint, spice, licorice and mocha infuse the 2017 with striking complexity as well as nuance. Readers will have a hard time keeping their hands off this gem. Larcis is never one of the most obvious wines in Saint-Émilion, but it is often among the most regal. Best of all, Larcis remains one of the best values anywhere in the world.In Bond€424.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.In Bond€1,220.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.In Bond€707.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.In Bond€776.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.In Bond€1,295.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (100)
The 2018 Château Larcis Ducasse checks in as 89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Franc that comes from a gorgeous hillside terroir on the Côte Pavie, located between Château Pavie and Château Bellefont-Belcier. Aged 18 months in 60% new barrels, it offers a truly sensational bouquet of ripe blackcurrants, espresso roast, scorched earth, bloody meat, chocolate, iron, and bouquet garni. A massive, super-rich Saint-Emilion with a dense, concentrated, layered mouthfeel, it has building yet sweet tannins and incredible purity of fruit. Reminding me of the 2005 shortly after release, this heavenly juice offers astonishing richness and depth while staying flawlessly balanced and elegant. Sadly, there are less than 3,000 cases produced, but this monumental, legendary wine won't hit maturity for a good 8-10 years and will have 40-50 years of longevity if well stored. Hats off to Nicolas Thienpont and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt for producing one of the wines of the vintage as well as one of the greatest young Bordeaux I've ever tasted.In Bond€542.00 -
James Suckling (98-99)
A full-bodied red that’s powerful, very rich and very deep. Floral and spicy with dried fruit, earth, tobacco and mushrooms. Dense center palate. Great depth. Traditional.In Bond€330.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)
A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection is the 2020 Château Larcis Ducasse. It’s a Saint-Emilion with an almost Pomerol-like depth and power paired with classic Saint-Emilion aromatics and minerality. Incredibly pure notes of black cherries, blackberries, white flowers, truffle, and leafy herb notes all emerge on the nose and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, thrilling tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. If you get a chance, buy it. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 55% new French oak.In Bond€1,085.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (96-99)
A wine that’s going to flirt with perfection is the 2020 Château Larcis Ducasse. It’s a Saint-Emilion with an almost Pomerol-like depth and power paired with classic Saint-Emilion aromatics and minerality. Incredibly pure notes of black cherries, blackberries, white flowers, truffle, and leafy herb notes all emerge on the nose and it’s full-bodied, with a layered, multi-dimensional texture, thrilling tannins, and a finish that won’t quit. If you get a chance, buy it. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, aging in 55% new French oak.In Bond€477.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
This is medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Already has an expressive nose of blackcurrants, blackberries, white pepper, cloves and black licorice. Salty minerality. Fresh and fine. Spicy finish. Lengthy, too. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.In Bond€529.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98-100)
Tasted on multiple occasions and one of the legendary wines in the making from this vintage, the 2022 Château Larcis Ducasse clocks in as 86% Merlot and 14% Cabernet Franc that's still resting in 55% new French oak. A hypothetical blend of the 2005 and 2018, it's a deep, powerful, opulent Saint-Emilion offering an incredible array of black cherries, blackberries, smoked tobacco, chocolate, and graphite-driven aromas and flavors. With a rich, full-bodied, expansive mouthfeel, it has ultra-fine tannins, beautiful symmetry in its tannins, acidity, and fruit, no hard edges, and a killer finish. I was lucky enough to taste this on four separate occasions and I thought it had the potential to be a perfect wine every time.In Bond€530.00 -
(3x150cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
(6x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (96-97)
This is really classic in character, with a fine tannin structure and medium body. It starts slowly and then accelerates quickly into intense black cherries, currants and a salty note. Savory and subtle. 86% merlot and 14% cabernet franc.Expected Price Range€405 - €481 -
Wine Advocate (80)
Here is an example of a wine that had a lovely, perfumed, soft, berry bouquet, and moderately intense flavors, yet because of extensive oak aging, now tastes hard, astringent, tannic, and deficient in fruit. The color is very sound, the bouquet suggests vanillin, woodsy aromas, but on the palate, the wine is unyielding and ungenerous. Perhaps time will unleash the fruit. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 3/87.In Bond€1,640.00 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (93)
(95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.57 pH; 70 IPT; 13.9 % alcohol): Deep ruby with a hint of amber at the edge. Initially slightly reduced nose of coffee grounds and underbrush opens slowly with air to reveal red cherry jam, cassis, and tobacco. Then lush, round and rich in the mouth, displaying plum, blackberry and tobacco flavors of noteworthy freshness and finishes with rather soft tannins. Opulent for Magdelaine yet beautifully balanced--and much better than I remembered it. The suave finish features sneaky concentration and a persistent note of tobacco. A superb Magdelaine that is already drinking well and probably won't gain much by further cellaring, though it should remain at this plateau for another ten years. The vintage was characterized by a February heatwave (one day even recorded an unbelievable 26°C!), but bad weather during the flowering period caused considerable coulure and the cabernets in particular were variable in quality from estate to estate. A very hot, dry July and August (40°C on July 21 and 22) really stamped its character on the 1990s, leading to many scorched, sunburned berries. It was also important to harvest the merlot prior to the weekend of September 22 and 23, when a thunderstorm hit. On the basis of this wine, I'd say they got it all right at J. P. Moueix.In Bond€3,265.00 -
Vinous - Ian D'Agata (94+)
(a blend of 95% merlot and 5% cabernet franc; 3.53 pH; IPT 65; 13.8% alcohol): Bright ruby. Sexy, compelling nose of blackcurrant, violet, white pepper and minerals is an absolute knockout. Then very refined on the palate, with a delicate spiciness to the blackcurrant, red plum and mineral flavors, but with noteworthy fleshiness and ripeness lifted by harmonious acidity. This is a very great and impeccably balanced Magdelaine in the making. Finishes long and silky, with a persistent strawberry note. Jean-Claude Berrouet considers this to be a classic Magdelaine: very well balanced and delicious. I think this is an excellent example of just how easy it is to misjudge Magdelaine on release and how well it develops in bottle in strong vintages.In Bond€2,085.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (91)
As often with Magdelaine in recent vintages, this is on the austere side. Its firm tannins and structure dominate the fruit. That said, it does have bright fruit underneath all this tightness, and is finely balanced, the berry fruits lifted with some intense acidity. It needs another few months to settle in bottle.In Bond€1,160.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
A property that has largely been replanted over the last 25 years, the 2009 is one of the best the firm of Jean-Pierre Moueix has yet released from this estate. Eighty percent of this vineyard sits on the limestone plateau and 20% on the hillsides, and the 2009 displays a classic confiture of black cherries, some crushed rocks and spring flowers in a full-bodied, yet at the same time, ethereal and rather elegant style. The wine has gorgeous fruit purity, a broad, luscious texture, and more density and richness than one normally finds in this somewhat finesse-styled wine, which seems to have achieved more depth and potential in 2009. This should be drinkable in 5-6 years and keep for 25 or more.In Bond€1,785.00 -
Wine Spectator (93)
Greatest wine ever made at this estate. A breathtaking wine to drink now, but please wait. Lots of fruit, spice and tomato character. Full-bodied and very velvety, with a long, flavorful finish. Now or later, it's hard to resist.In Bond€830.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully.In Bond€1,410.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (92)
Opaque black-ruby. More brooding aromas of blackberry, cassis, licorice and smoky oak, plus stony and mineral nuances; slight hint of exotic fruits. Lower-pitched than the '97, but with penetrating flavor and terrific vivacity. A floral note and a suggestion of chalky terroir contribute to the wine complexity. Finishes with firm but even tannins. Showing considerably more fruit complexity and personality than last year, when I tasted this wine in its several components. Thienpont expected to lightly fine this wine but not to filter it. Should age slowly and gracefully.In Bond€1,225.00 -
Wine Advocate (97)
Pale to medium garnet-brick in color, the 1998 Pavie Macquin simply sings with incredibly pure, spritely notes of blueberry preserves, blackberry pie and black cherry compote, revealing loads of eucalyptus, mocha, dried lavender and Chinese five spice accents. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is has wonderfully seductive blue and black fruit layers, framed by velvety tannins and the perfect amount of freshness to create tantalizing tension, finishing with incredible length and depth. Effortlessly delicious and yet possessing plenty of subtext for intellectual stimulation, I just love where this compelling '98 is at right now!In Bond€1,785.00 -
Wine Advocate (95+)
A beautiful crushed rock/liqueur of minerality characterizes this inky/purple-hued St.-Emilion. Tannic, with lots of pure black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with a notion of charcoal as well as the aforementioned rocky/powdered stone component, this long distance runner requires another 5-6 years of cellaring. It should age easily through 2030+.In Bond€1,125.00 -
Jeb Dunnuck (98)
A blend of 70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, from a cool limestone terroir on the plateau, the 2005 Château Pavie Macquin is extraordinary juice, and the finest vintage of this cuvee I’ve ever tasted. Sporting a saturated purple color as well as an off the hook bouquet of crème de cassis, blackberries, smoked earth, chocolate, and Asian spices, with a sensational sense of minerality developing with time in the glass. Deep, full-bodied, massively concentrated, and multi-dimensional, it’s just now at the early stages of its drinking plateau and it will probably keep for another 2-3 decades. Count yourself lucky if you have bottles of this in the cellar!In Bond€1,475.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
