Chateau Corbin 2016 (St Emilion)
Type: Red
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux, St Emilion
Grape Variety: 89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc
Alcohol Percentage: 14.5%
Rating: 93+ Robert Parker | 93 Decanter | 91 Wine Spectator Points
Climate: Temperate oceanic which allows a controlled ripening of the grapes
Terroir: Gravel clay and sand on the surface and deep iron oxides. The climate is continental, which is supported by the presence of two rivers, the Dordogne and the Isle.
Ageing: Aged in 50% new and 33% one-year-old French oak for 18 months
Color: Ruby hue, with purplish reflection in youth
Nose: The notes of red fruits are very concentrated, behind them develop a wide range of aromas including vanilla and leather with aging in barrels
Palate: The three main varieties of the appellation come together and complement each other to magnify the whole. Merlot brings fruity, when Cabernet Sauvignon gives tannins and Cabernet Franc spicy notes
About the Winery:
Château Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Emilion. The foundations of the Château date back to the 15th century, and according to legend, Corbin was the focal point of a stronghold that belonged to the Black Prince. Built in the middle of the 19th century, Corbin was purchased in 1924 by the great-grandparents of the current owners. Since 1999, the estate is managed by Anabelle Cruse-Bardinet, a Bordeaux University oenology graduate, who represents the 4th generation of the family.
Like many Bordeaux estates, Chateau Corbin believes in passing down the chateau through lineage. But part of what makes Chateau Corbin unique, is that their line of succession has been passed from mother to daughter for multiple generations. Perhaps, that has something to do with the refined, elegant, stylings in their wine. The 13 hectare vineyard of Chateau Corbin is planted to 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Its vineyard is also in a single parcel with a slight slope close to the chateau. They also have a small parcel across the small road, close to Grand Corbin Despagne.
The terroir features sand and clay with iron deposits in the soils and gentle slopes. You can basically divide the vineyard into two parts with one section featuring more clay in one section, while the other section has more sand and gravel. That plus the slopes with their natural drainage allows Chateau Corbin to produce their elegant, style of wine. The average age of the vines remains close to 30 years old. However, they also have old vines. In fact, some of their Cabernet Franc vines are more than 60 years of age. The vine density ranges from 6,667 per hectare to 8,333 vines per hectare, with higher levels of vine density found in the newer plantings.
