Château Grand Corbin 2024

Riper-fruited on the nose than many wines of the vintage, with plum, roasted notes, and noticeable oak; on the palate, gripping and taut, with marked tannins, restrained fruit, very wild in character, still needs to come together. Will the maturation bring more polish?

Quite tannic and massy from the offset and although the tannins aren't too dry this is missing some fruit density and liveliness to balance the filling texture and high acidity. Licks of oak and tobacco line the finish.

86% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. Red-fruit and spice aromas. Some dilution on the mid palate, the oak imposing, the finish drying. (JL)

Inky notes open a dark, deep bouquet. This shadow is quickly swept aside by bright, floral fruit. A lovely acidity introduces a slender, delicate, and precise texture. Small red fruits are in place, with a hint of acacia. The acidity holds through to the finish, where there’s a satisfying chew.

Black fruit on the opening, cassis and bilberry with higher acidity blueberries and redcurrant. Grilled sandalwood oak is fairly dominant, emphasising the austerity of the vintage but this has balance and potential to soften over ageing. Potential upscore in bottle. Lauren Canu estate director.