Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 2018

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

VertdeVin

The nose is elegant, racy, beautifully built and offers subtility and a certain aromatic purity. It reveals notes of Boysen berry, bright violet plum, small notes of cornflower associated with small touches of pulpy cassis, a hint of raspberry as well as hints of liquorice, sweet spices, a very discreet hint of sugared mild tobacco and very discreet hints of toasted/chocolate. The palate is fruity, elegant and offers a beautiful definition, delicacy, a racy minerality as well as a small fat and finesse. On the palate this wine expresses notes of bright cassis, blueberry, small notes of plum associated with touches of raspberry as well as hints of violet, rose, chocolate, fine hints of liquorice stick, black tea and a subtle hint of tonka bean. Good length. A very discreet hint of bitterness of dark chocolate and caramelization in the finish/persistence. A very discreet firmness on the finish. A wine full of delicacy and subtlety that invites you to take the time to taste it.

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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.

James Suckling

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.