The 2004 Larcis Ducasse is surprisingly deep in colour. It boasts a really lovely bouquet considering the vintage, one you might suspect belongs to a richer growing season like 2005, blackberry, raspberry coulis, mint and a touch of juniper berry and sandalwood. The oak is nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and well judged acidity, impressive in terms of fruit intensity, blackberry, cranberry and strawberry mixed with tobacco and black pepper. Very cohesive with a gentle grip on the finish, you could broach this 2004 Larcis Ducasse now, but it will unquestionably give another couple of decade’s drinking pleasure. Punches above its weight. Tasted at the Larcis Ducasse vertical in Bordeaux. -- Neal Martin