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Now Viewing: Chateau Larcis Ducasse
Most Right Bank properties have relatively recent histories when compared to the venerable names of the Left, but this chateau can trace its origins back to 1777 when it is mentioned that their wines were purchased by one Pierre Beylot (I wonder whether he is related to Victor Beylot who established Chateau Dassault ). In the mid-19th century, the estate was acquired by Mon. Ducasse and in 1892 it passed into the hands of Henri Henriquez Raba who family found fame in their wine negociant business. Larcis-Ducasses is not owned by Mdm Alphandery, and the estate is managed by Nicolas Thienpont. The vineyard is located in the south-east of the Saint Emilion commune: just 11 hectares of vine planted on clay-limestone "fossilifere" and ancient sands. The grape varietals comprise of 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with an average vine age of 35 years. Vinification is performed in concrete vats and the wine is aged fo around 18 months utilising a judicious 40% new oak. Just over 4,000 cases are produced per annum depending on the vintage. Unfortunately I have been disappointed far too many times by this chateau and would agree with Robert Parker who opined that it rarely lives up to its potential. Still, with maestro Stéphane Derenoncourt appointed in 2002 a redivisus could be on the cards, so this is certainly a name to look out for in the future. Alas, even he could not rescue the wine in this poor year for Saint Emilion.
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