Corbin St-Émilion Grand Cru Classé 2018

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Coming from the northwestern part of Saint-Emilion, not far from the border of Pomerol, the 2018 Château Corbin is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new French oak. This rockingly good Saint-Emilion has a perfumed nose of black raspberries, blackberries, toasted spice, dried flowers, and loamy earth. Much more refined and elegant now from bottle than barrel, it's medium to full-bodied and has some classic Saint-Emilion chalky minerality, quality tannins, and a great finish. This is well worth seeking out, and while it already offers pleasure, it's going to benefit from just 3-4 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly for 10-15 years. Drink: 2024-2039. (3/11/21)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Annabelle Cruse is the owner of this lovely estate on the Pomerol side of St-Emilion. Evident coffee toasting suggesting well-handled oak, this has poise and definition, with slate and ripe blueberry notes, clear tannic hold and a fresh, sappy finish. Elegant but concentrated, serious in its intention but with St-Emilion gloss. Jean-Luc Thunevin is consultant as of this vintage. 50% new oak and a yield of 42hl/ha after selection (48hl/ha before). Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (11/10/20)"

93 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Elegant, refined, silky and fresh with beautiful purity and symmetry to the fruit. The sweetness in the red pit fruits on the nose, palate and in the finish make a great, lasting impression. The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc . As I said in my barrel tastings, this is the finest vintage of Corbin produced yet! (Mar 2021)"

92 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Corbin has been aged for approximately 18 months in oak barrels, 50% new. It has 15% alcohol. Deep garnet-purple in color, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of blueberry coulis, baked black plums and blackberry pie, plus suggestions of incense, ground cloves, violets and camphor. The rich, full-bodied palate is ready for business, featuring bags of black fruit preserves and a velvety texture, finishing with plenty of freshness and a spicy kick. Drink: 2022-2036. (4/22/21)"

92 points James Suckling: "This is firm and linear, showing a solid core of fruit and a rich palate with a bit of alcohol showing. It’s full-bodied with lots of fruit and intensity. Creamy, ripe tannins. Slightly hot finish, but stays together. Try after 2024. (1/19/21)"

92 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, this has been aged 50% in barrels and 50% in vat. It has a rather more immediate and convincing style than the 2019 tasted alongside, with seams of dark red cherry, powdered chalk, sandalwood and liquorice. The palate builds on this strong first impression, with a deep and rich midpalate of dark fruits, with a lightly mentholated vein, wrapped up in black pepper, spiced oak, black bean and liquorice. It has a richly composed, firm and tannic structure. An impressive result for château and terroir, this is one for the cellar, for sure. The alcohol on the label is 15%. (Sep 2022)"

92 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Black cherry with a hint of vanilla and nougat, with fresh orange zest in the background, floral nuances. Juicy, sweet red berry nuances, lively, fine tannins, chocolaty touch on the finish, mineral and lemony aftertaste, a lively food companion. (2/14/21)"