Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 2018

Pure on the nose, with herbal and fruity-spicy notes as well; fresh attack, showing freshness, tension and lively tannins, good length, still very firm and austere on the finish; needs to age.

Composed of 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Grand Corbin-Despagne has a deep garnet-purple color and flamboyant scents of stewed black and red cherries, mulberries and sassafras with an undercurrent of wild blueberries, potpourri and ground cloves, plus a waft of vanilla pod. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with black and blue fruit preserves, supported by firm, ripe, rounded tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and perfumed.

This red shows a solid core of cassis and raspberry compote flavors, flanked by a strident singed apple wood note. Good energy carries through the anise- and bramble-accented finish, so this should unwind with some brief cellaring. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2027. 7,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

Majoring on black pepper spice, damson and raspberry fruits, this is austere right now, with plenty of tannic heft. A wine that is going to age well but needs another five years in bottle to really open up. But there is juice underneath, with good power, a sense of forward motion and precision. Not the most expressive or voluptuous right now but well-placed and intelligent. A yield of 35hl/ha with biodynamic farming in the vineyard. Ageing in 50% new oak.

A dense, layered red with plum, berry, cherry and walnut character. Some bark, too. It’s full and chewy with some earth and currant flavors at the end. The wood shows now, but it will come together nicely. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2024.

Three bottles of 2018 Grand Corbin Despagne were tasted from different sources. I was wary about the corks on the first two bottles; neither appeared taut and secure, and I feel the wine suffered as a result. A third bottle was better. Blackberry and red currant jam feature on the well-defined nose, accompanied by a touch of crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit, fine acidity and gentle grip on the finish. I am scoring this wine based on the third sample bottle and hope that I was just unlucky with the first two. I prudently place a question against my score.

Deep in color, with a soft, polished, plush texture on the palate that creates a nice canvas to enjoy the sweet plums and cherries. This will be easy to enjoy on release and over the next 12 years or so. Drink from 2023-2036.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Fresh, inviting core of cherry fruit, with fine blackberry confit in the background, nuances of nougat and orange zest. Medium body, balanced, fine fruity texture, well-integrated tannins, hint of chocolate, mineral finish, good development and certain ageing potential.

Inky dark purple colour. Fresh almond, plum, dark cherry and mild oak aromas. Rather full palate with a youthful texture, grippy tannin, pure dark fruit flavours with cherry and cassis, mild oak and spice underneath with a well-kept freshness and good length.

Lots of red and black fruits, toasted spice, dried flowers, and baking chocolate notes emerge from the 2018 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne, a full-bodied, ripe, heady, opulent Saint-Emilion with sweet tannins and a great finish. It packs a punch and will be prized by those who like big fruit and texture. A blend of 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, it should keep for 10–15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 19: (75% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) Velvety, finely opulent, creamy bouquet, blackberry jelly, cherries, chocolate, nougat, toasted notes. Broad palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, dense structure, powerful dark aromatics, long, full finish.

Notes of dark and purple fruits on the nose, such as blackberry and plum, unfolding toward sandalwood and mocha. On the palate, a lovely balance of fruit and minerality, with a soft, caressing texture that hides a certain complexity and fine bitters running through a long, elegant finish.

A great deal of finesse on the nose, with a harmonious blend of candied notes and freshness. Nuances of juniper and blueberries followed by a chalky touch. On the palate, the wine is juicy and racy. It has fine yet firm tannins that align with the tension of the acidic structure. Lovely fruit expression right through to the finish. A fruity, lingering finale. A fine success.

Logo on the cork: inverted T (Trescases)