Chateau Corbin 2018 750ml (Ex Chateau arrival time 4 months)

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. The wines are being aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, and it has 15% alcohol. Deep purple-black in color, the 2018 Corbin opens with seductive notions of warm plums, Christmas cake and blueberry compote with fragrant earth, yeast extract and cedary undertones. Full, rich and spicy in mouth, it has a solid backbone of ripe, plush tannins and a long, earthy finish.

Annabelle Corbin made no wine in 2017 because of frost so it's great to see her back, and this is easily one of the most delicious Corbins that I've tasted. It has just a little more swirl and silkiness than usual, full of black fruits with increased density, without sacrificing the elegance and freshness that I love from this property. 45hl / ha yield in 2018. 60% new oak, up from 50% in 2016. This is the first year with consultant Jean Luc Thunevin.

This is a very pretty Corbin with a beautiful core of dark fruit, as well as hazelnuts and dark chocolate. Full body, round and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish.