Château Corbin 2005

Château Corbin is one of the oldest estates of Saint-Emilion. Throughout the different eras in the estate’s history, the place has never ceased to evolve nor stood still. It today boasts a fabulous heritage built up over centuries, while its architectural beauty has today been enhanced by renovation work that blends modern features harmoniously with the historical. Neo-classical in style and adjoining the original part of the property, the chateau was built in the 18th century on the orders of the estate’s owners of that time. Fabulous vestiges of the 16th century part can still be seen at Corbin with the tower containing a stone spiral staircase, an attractive dovecote, an enchanting guest house as well as farm buildings and even a tasting room dating back to the same period.

The origins of Corbin however date from the 15th century. Legend has it that these lands once belonged to the Black Prince, who fought the French at the beginning of the 100 Years War. Since 1924, Chateau Corbin has been in the hands of the same family. Passed down from generations to generation by female heirs, it is today the property of Anabele Cruse, the fourth generation and her husband Sebastien Bardinet. Having trained as an oenologist and managed the estate since 1999, Anabelle Cruse Bardinet has been the owner of the property since 2007. 

Planted in one single block, the 13 hectare Corbin vineyard is situated in the north-west of the Saint-Emilion appellation on the doorstep of Pomerol. The soil is composed of ancient sands surrounding the chateau over an iron-rich clay subsoil, which give the wine its delicacy and finesse and clay on the Pomerol side of the estate which brings the wine its richness. The vineyard’s grape composition is Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The average age of the vines is 30 years. 

This wine is distinguished by its deep and intense color. On the nose, it reveals complex, bewitching aromas of ripe black fruit such as blackberry and black cherry, accompanied by spicy notes of pepper.  On the palate, Château Corbin 2005 offers impressive structure with well-integrated, velvety tannins. This 2005 vintage has remarkable ageing potential, and although it is already excellent on the palate, it will continue to improve with time, gaining in subtlety and harmony.