1998 Chateau Haut-Corbin (St. Emilion Grand Cru Classe)

Source: Viscount

Consumption Date: 7/22/2012

Notes: Mild aroma of spice, graphite, and dry wood with a faint hint of dark, ripe fruit.  Plenty of spice and dry wood flavors with a stronger fruit core (plum (?) and blackberries).  More fruit and spice with a mild, but distinct, graphite minerality on the long finish.  Moderate tannin.

This wine has been a bit of a surprise to me, as it is very silky, refined, and elegant, but does not have the power and intensity I normally associate with Bordeaux.  I am led to believe that this may be characteristic of St. Emilion wines, as Merlot (as opposed to Cabernet Sauvignon) tends to be a higher proportion of the blend.  Many of the flavors I associate with Bordeaux are present, but in muted form.  This wine also lacks somewhat in complexity (when compared to the Burgundies which I generally prefer).  I also wonder if it would have been fruitier and perhaps more dramatic, if not less elegant, if drunk younger.  Still, it is quite enjoyable and promises to pair well with a grilled grass-fed ribeye.

Value: Good to very good