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Up in the northern part of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, just next door to Pomerol, and only a quick 3-minute drive (about a mile and a half) from the legendary Cheval Blanc—and just a mile from the famous Petrus—you’ll find Château Corbin. It’s one of the oldest estates in Saint-Émilion, quietly making some serious waves.

Here’s the kicker: 2016 was an absolute knockout vintage for the region. If you get the chance to grab some, don’t even think twice. It’s rare, it’s epic, and it’s almost gone.

Now, consider this: A bottle of 2016 Cheval Blanc will set you back at least $700. 2016 Petrus? Try around $4,000 a bottle. Château Corbin shares the many of the same magical features of the iconic terroir that makes those wines so special — but the price? That’s the real surprise.

Welcome to Château Corbin, one of the oldest and most storied estates in Saint-Émilion. Picture yourself strolling down a tree-lined drive, with the whispers of history surrounding you. This estate, with roots going back to the 15th century, is more than just a vineyard—it's a living piece of winemaking history, passed down through generations. Today, Château Corbin is carefully managed by Anabelle Cruse, the fourth generation of her family to oversee these cherished vines, continuing a proud legacy.

Château Corbin is where history meets modern winemaking. Legend says these lands once belonged to the Black Prince from the Hundred Years' War. Over the years, the estate has evolved, combining architectural beauty with state-of-the-art techniques, thanks to Anabelle Cruse and her husband, Sébastien Bardinet. Together, they’ve infused Château Corbin with soul, strength, and a deep respect for its exceptional terroir.

2022 was an extraordinary vintage for Bordeaux, it was blessed with a 97 pt review by Wine Spectator who said: "A beautiful vintage. Merlot berries were small and concentrated; Cabernet Franc also relished the conditions. Wines are very aromatic and sleek, with Pomerol and St.-Emilion excelling"

90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. 

Vibrant violet colour, intense with sappy acidity and firm tannins, bright fruits, some slightly bitter finish, but this has sleek depths, with estate and vintage signature, and is one to look out for. 100% 1st wine. ~94 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Flowers, black cherries, black raspberries, licorice, and dark plum aromas come through in the nose. On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is lush, rich, and polished with more depth than usual. You can taste, and feel the balance, freshness, and levels of perfectly ripe pit fruits with ease. The wine finishes with dark, red pit fruits, and even darker chocolate. What really works here this year is the purity in the fruits. The proprietor, Anabelle Cruse says this is the best vintage she has ever produced. And I think she is right! The wine blends 90% Merlot with 10% Cabernet Franc. 14% ABV, 3.65 pH. September 6 - September 23 were the dates of the harvest. Drink from 2025-2042. ~94 The Wine Cellar Insider

The 2022 Corbin is endowed with tremendous power and richness. Huge tannins and strong Franc notes dominates. It will be interesting to see how this develops, as there is a gorgeous core of fruit that emerges gradually with a bit of aeration. ~94 Vinous Media

Based on Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Corbin is juicy and floral, with graphite, spicy wood, truffle, and mineral-laced aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, it’s fresh and focused on the palate, with an elegant, layered profile. It’s impeccably made, and I think it has some upside. Give bottles 3-5 years if you can and enjoy through 2042. ~93+ Jeb Dunnuck

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