Château Grand Corbin-Despagne 2016

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Grand Corbin-Despagne rocks up with exuberant notions of wild blueberries, Black Forest cake and plum preserves with hints of lavender, underbrush and cloves. Full-bodied and with great concentration, the palate delivers bags of perfumed fruit layers, finishing with excellent persistence.

Attractive violet-like flowers and fresh plums lead to a palate that has a juicy and succulent core of ripe red plums. Right at the limit of ripeness and balance. A blend of 85 per cent merlot and 15 per cent cabernet franc. From organically grown grapes. Try from 2022.

Spice, black cherries, leafy herbs, and underbrush notes all emerge from the 2016 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne, which is based on 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon. This charming, relatively straightforward effort has medium-bodied depth and richness, rock-solid balance, and light tannins, all making for an already delicious Saint Emilion to drink over the coming decade.

Barrel Sample. Powerful tannins and ripe fruits are the main characters here. With a solid, foursquare character, it is generous and opulent. Tannins and concentration are all there, resulting in a wine with serious aging potential.