Château Corbin is one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion. The foundations of the Château date back to the 15th century when (according to legend) the site was the centre of a stronghold that belonged to the Black Prince, an exceptional English military leader who launched successful campaigns into France.

The estate as it stands today was built in the 19th century. Corbin was purchased in 1924 by the great-grandparents of the current owners. Since 1999, the estate has been managed by Anabelle Cruse-Bardinet, an enologist who represents the 4th generation of the family.

The Corbin vineyards border the Pomeral appellation, stretching over 32 contiguous acres. The terroir here covers two of Saint-Émilion’s distinct soil types: dense clay, which produces wines of power; and iron-clay layered under ancient sandy soil, which produces subtler, gentler wines. The plantings, 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, are tended using environmentally-friendly practices. Yields are kept low, and only  fruit from the best plots and the oldest vines are used to make Château Corbin.

Grapes are hand-harvested plot-by-plot and sorted three times. De-stemmed berries are vinified by plot in concrete vats, macerated on skins for three to four weeks, then aged in French oak barrels for 16 to 17 months.

“Brimming with blackberries, supple tannins and lively acidity, this is an immediately attractive St.-Emilion that’s easy to enjoy with food now, but has the structure to age for some years. Drink or hold.”
93 points, James Suckling, January 2019

“From a 13-hectare vineyard located north and west of the village of Saint-Emilion, the 2016 Château Corbin (83% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc aged in 50% new oak) showed beautifully in all my tastings. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a beautifully pure, elegant 2016 that gives up lots of limestone character in its red currants, graphite, dried flowers, and earthy aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied effort has solid mid-palate depth, a fine, elegant texture, ample structure, and a great finish. It’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15+ years.”
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, February 2019