From proprietress Annabelle Cruse-Bardinet, this dense ruby/purple-colored St.-Emilion offers sweet black cherry and cassis fruit, spring flowers and well-integrated oak, acidity and tannin. Medium-bodied, pure and impressively endowed in an elegant yet authoritative style, this sleeper of the vintage should drink well for 5-8 years.

The 2011 is a strong effort from Corbin, which seems to be making sexy, lush, fruit-forward wines with enormous appeal. The natural alcohol came in at 13.8% and the final blend was 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. A deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by copious aromas of cassis, blueberries, raspberries, white chocolate and forest floor. Atypically deep, fleshy and fat, this 2011 is already strutting its stuff, and should continue to drink well for 10-15 years.

Anabelle Cruse is on a roll at Chateau Corbin. In a very difficult year, the wine sports complex aromas of licorice, mint, leaves, oak and fresh red berries. Medium bodied, with soft, round textures and a forward personality, this well priced wine will be delicious on release.