Owners of Grand Corbin-Despagne in Saint-Emilion for over 2 centuries, seven generations of the Despagne family have shared the same love for a vineyard and respect for its traditions.
The Despagne name has been inextricably linked with the land of Saint-Emilion since at least the beginning of the 17th century.
The oldest known family document is that of the baptism in 1665 of the son of Pierre Despagne, a ploughman, and Lison Raynaud. Their descendant, Louis Despagne, born in 1789, would be instrumental in creating the family’s renown.
In 1812, not far from Cheval Blanc, where Louis’s family were tenant farmers, he settled at a place called Corbin and acquired the first plots to be owned by the family.
His son expanded “Crû Grand-Corbin – propriétaire Despagne”, as the growth was known at the time. It was towards the end of the 19th century that the name Château Grand Corbin-Despagne came into existence.
In the 20th century, Paul Despagne, who was an extraordinary winemaker, developed the good reputation of the growth, making wines of consistently high quality.
Different generations have brought their savoir-faire and when the first official classification of the growths of Saint-Emilion took place, the estate was awarded the rank of Grand Cru Classé.
François Despagne represents today the seventh generation of the same family at this growth. As its manager, he seeks to preserve respectfully those values he has inherited from his ancestors.
In the 2006 revision of the Saint Emilion classification, the Château was raised to the highest rank of Grand Cru Classé (this description was ratified on 12 November 2007 by the State Council). In many respects, Grand Corbin-Despagne constitutes one of Saint Emilion's best value wines, recognised by top wine critics and wine enthusiasts, who are well aware of its potential.
Robert Parker even recommended it as a sound investment!
The 2015 vintage was marked by exceptional conditions in the vineyards to offer a bright future for Château Grand Corbin. The Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines, which make up the Grand Corbin Chateau 2015 blend, were able to enjoy a hot, dry summer softened with cool nights.
These conditions were perfect to help the grapes reach their perfect ripeness.
In its youth, this wine expresses all the elegance of a great seducer with its fresh, crisp red fruit and blackcurrant notes. On the palate, there is a beautiful volume with red fruit notes. The long and persistent finish ends with freshness and saline notes. The firm, powerful tannins promise an excellent potential for cellaring.
"The 2015 Grand Corbin has a rich and showy bouquet with plenty of ravishing black fruit laced with spice, although I would like to see more precision. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a touch of graphite with a neat and tidy, quite harmonious and well-judged finish. It gets better as it goes along !"
Wine Advocate
Culinary Recommendation: To serve at 17 C. Good match with Red meats, game.
Awards:
90 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
90 Wine Spectator
89-91 Robert Parker Wine Advocate
17/20 Bettane et Desseauve
15.5/20 J. Robinson
