Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 2018

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. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

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.

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.

Lots of red and black fruits, toasted spiced, 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.