2018 Château Corbin
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Tasting notes
A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Corbin has been aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new. It has 15% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of blueberry coulis, baked black plums and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of incense, ground cloves, violets and camphor. The rich, full-bodied palate is ready for business, featuring bags of black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing with plenty of freshness and a spicy kick. This 13-hectare vineyard is situated northwest of the town of Saint-Émilion. The vines are an average of 30 years old and are planted to a mix of sand and clay-based soils.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Corbin surpassed my expectations from barrel. It has an outgoing but attractive bouquet, presenting less of the dark chocolate compared to its showing from barrel but retaining that light mintiness. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, fresh and nimble, leading to a precise, quite mineral-driven finish. An excellent Corbin that should drink well over the next 12–15 years. Elegant.
Coming from the northwestern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from the border of Pomerol, the 2018 Château Corbin is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new French oak. This rockingly good Saint-Emilion has a perfumed nose of black raspberries, blackberries, toasted spice, dried flowers, and loamy earth. Much more refined and elegant now from bottle than barrel, it's medium to full-bodied and has some classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, quality tannins, and a great finish. This is well worth seeking out, and while it already offers pleasure, it's going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly for 10-15 years.