2018 Ch. Corbin

[William P]

I saw the 2018 Ch. Corbin today at Costco for $39.00. Despite my reservation about 2018 I decided to test drive it. Corbin is 90% Merlot and 10% Cab Franc. The nose begins with honeysuckle and then darkened to ripe berry, earth and a touch of French oak. Medium (maybe medium plus) body, good concentration, roundish tannins subdued by fruit, and enough acid for a balanced wine. I do wish there was a touch more acidity to brighten the darkness.

On the palate I would described it as blackberry, char, coffee, and earth. At this stage not the most complex, but it is enjoyable. The wine sits in the lower register (baritone) of taste. Not much brightness here. It may shut down in a few months but it's drinking nicely now. I believe that the tannins should resolved in two or three years.

I have questioned the 2018 vintage as being fruit forward, but this wine is not over-extracted nor a fruit bomb. The price is seems fair but with my limited experience in 2018, so I don't know it this is a value. score 90+ Good quaffing wine.

Bill

[Nicklasss]

Thanks Bill.

Makes me getting back some hope for 2018. Wanted to open a 2018 Chateau Branaire-Ducru at a group tasting last Thursday, but changed my mind and brought a 2005 Chateau Malescot Saint Exupéry instead.

[Ognik]

19 Corbin is an excellent wine. Buy.

[JimHow]

Had the 2016 recently. A 93 pointer.