2023 Grand Corbin Despagne
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Tasting notes
A brilliant Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé, the 2023 Château Grand Corbin-Despagne is based on 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon from clay over iron soils and was raised in 40% new barrels, with the balance in used barrels and 10% in amphora. Ripe black cherries, smoky herbs, chocolate, and graphite are just some of its nuances, and it's medium-bodied, pure, and beautifully balanced, with considerable elegance and finesse. I'd happily drink a bottle today, yet it's going to evolve gracefully over the coming two decades. Drink 2026-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne is classy, elegant and polished, just as it was en primeur . Crème de cassis, lavender, mint, espresso and a kiss of French oak build effortlessly in the glass. This mid-weight Saint-Émilion is a total delight. It opens beautifully with air, revealing gorgeous nuance and textural dimension. Tasted two times.
The 2023 Grand Corbin Despagne has a light bouquet with blackberry, blueberry and subtle marine scents, well-defined and nicely focused. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied with a little rawness on the entry. But it coheres on the mid-palate and delivers a classically styled, “cool” finish. Drink over the next 12 to 15 years.
This is extremely perfumed, with aromas of lavender, violets, dark fruit and chalk. Medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a chalky, crunch finish with a hint of white pepper. Classy. From organically grown grapes. 75% merlot, 24% cabernet franc and 1% cabernet sauvignon. Drink or hold.