Château Grand Corbin 2019

This has aromas of blueberries, currants, pine cones, oyster shells and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly wound tannins. Tight, mineral finish. Fresh. Better in 2024.

Flowers, licorice, red fruits and a touch of cocoa create the perfume. Medium-bodied, soft, vibrant and silky, with loads of sweet, ripe, refined cherries and plums on the mid-palate and in the elegantly styled, fresh, energetic, polished finish. Drink from 2023-2034.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle ochre rim. Delicate dark cherry fruit with tobacco and herbal spices, subtle hints of plums and liquorice, a hint of orange zest. Juicy, elegant and sweet, some nougat, ripe tannins, mineral and good persistence, already accessible, slightly leafy on the finish, but with length and ageing potential. On a good path.

Aromas of new oak and toast with ripe plum, red berries, and mild spices. The palate is rounded and generous, with good breadth, still a youthful tannic bite but balanced, with good length. Best from 2023.

Ripe Bing cherries, mulberries, spicy oak, new leather, and candied violet notes all emerge from the 2019 Château Grand Corbin, a rich, medium- to full-bodied, Merlot-dominated Saint-Emilion that has the vintage’s pure, balanced, classic style. It shows more minerality and truffly, herbal notes as it sits in the glass and is a beautiful example of the balance and finesse coming from Saint-Emilion these days.

Raspberry leaf aromatics, this has delicacy and a sense of momentum through the palate. As with so many of these wines, it was less generous than 2018 En Primeur and that is still the case today, but it has so much potential for enjoyment. From clay, sand and gravel, giving generosity and freshness.

[ En Primeur Notes 2019: 89-90 ] Broad attack with a straightforward velvety texture, a well-proportioned palate focused on dark fruits and spices. Everything gradually falls into place.

On the nose, aromas of redcurrant and dark fruits. On the palate, a velvety touch and refined tannins that make you want to sip slowly while reading a book, as the finish becomes expressive, gentle, and soothing.

A 28.5-hectare vineyard with soils composed of silica over blue clay. Aged for 12 months in 40% new barrels. The bouquet is highly inviting, marked by appealing notes of black berries and a refreshing chalky touch. Balanced, precise character on the palate. The tannins reveal themselves gradually; they are tight yet elegant and in tune with the acidic structure. Lovely aromatic intensity on the finish. Undeniably a great success!

On an upward trend since 2016, I was expecting a bit more from Grand Corbin this year. The nose is attractive, the palate is gentle, but it lacks the anticipated depth. Medium length.

Sweet blackcurrants, tobacco, dark chocolate and black truffle. Great nose, just so much going on. Gorgeous intensity of flavour on the palate, round and juicy black fruits mostly with very softly spiced tannins that support the fruit and give structure and weight. Lively acidity gives bounce and freshness and there is a cooling liquorice touch to the finish. Well made and well finished. Everything feels in balance and harmonious. Clear power but well presented. Could almost drink this now but I would hold for a few years as this will age well.