Château Corbin Saint-Emilion 2016

An estate with roots stretching back to the 15th century—and once rumored to be a stronghold of the Black Prince—Château Corbin is one of the oldest and most storied properties in St.-Émilion. But history alone doesn’t put a bottle in your cellar; performance does. And in the sensational 2016 vintage, Corbin didn’t just perform; it soared.

Located on the edge of the Pomerol border, the vineyards sit on a unique mix of iron-rich clay and ancient sands. This gives the wine a best of both worlds personality: the power and muscle of the Right Bank’s best clays, with the floral, silky finesse that only sand can provide.

The 2016 is a blend dominated by 83% Merlot, with the balance of 17% Cabernet Franc adding that signature herbal lift and structural backbone. On the nose, it’s a deep dive into ripe black plums, wild cherries, and a touch of graphite, all framed by subtle, toasty oak from 18 months in French barrique (50% new).

The palate is where the magic happens. It’s medium-to-full-bodied, showing incredible crunch and purity of fruit. You’ll find layers of licorice, forest floor, and a cooling mineral streak that keeps the richness in check. The tannins are present but velvety—a hallmark of winemaker Anabelle Cruse-Bardinet’s precise touch.

Tech Specs:

Grapes: 83% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc

Soil: Clay and sand over iron-rich subsoil

Aging: 16–17 months in French oak (50% new)