Chateau Larcis Ducasse 2007 St Emilion 1er Grand Cru Classe

As the humble country cousin of the mighty left bank wines of Bordeaux, St Emilion has always made it's own fortune. Chateau Larcis-Ducasse is a rare exception that it is the only estate outside of St Emilion to be included in the 1954 classification of the region, actually residing in the commune of St Laurent des Combes with a proportion of vineyards in St Emilion next to Troplong-Mondot. The 2007 vintage is a blend of 78% merlot and 22% cabernet franc and it is drinking right now! Soft fleshy blackcurrant fruits, dried plums with a touch of white pepper spice and a gentle graphite-like finish of pencil shavings and smoke. An elegant wine in a lighter style than what is to be expected from the region.