Château Corbin Michotte 2017

This has a gently meaty edge with leafy nuances and an array of spicy red and dark plums on offer. The oak fills out the palate to good effect and delivers a gently chewy finish. Drink or hold.

The 2017 Corbin Michotte has a very attractive bouquet with elegant blackberry, raspberry and light potpourri aromas that gently unfold in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with well-integrated new oak, a silky smooth texture and just a hint of white pepper and sage marking the finish. Delightful.

Dense core turning from purple to ruby. Intense nose with fine oak, smoke, pain d’épices and ripe dark berries. The palate is dense with ample fruit, dark berry flavours, ripe and grainy tannin, finely polished and digest with balanced oak and a long dense finish.

Airy, melting, velvety and fresh with a lovely length, a success for a sector somewhat hard-hit in this vintage.

The bouquet of Corbin Michotte is clearly marked by its élevage, with roasted coffee bean and caramel notes. I also detect a fresher character with hints of eucalyptus. The attack is smooth and creamy. On the palate, the wine has a charming touch and granular tannins. The élevage is also clearly noticeable. The wine should be a bit more balanced and a bit more nuanced, but it is thoroughly enjoyable.