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.
94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2026)
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.
94 points, James Suckling (Dec 2025)
As is so often the case at this address, François Despagne has exercised a restrained hand with oak, and the 2023 Grand Corbin-Despagne is no exception. It reveals aromas of lead pencil, dark berries, spices and fresh licorice. Medium- to full-bodied, sapid and supple, it is built around a fleshy core of fruit with good depth, framed by velvety, powdery tannins and concluding with a long, saline and elegant finish. The blend—40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot—represents a strong effort in this vintage.
93 points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Apr 2026)
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.
93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2026)
Enjoyable En Primeur and delivering now in bottle, there is some luscious ripe fruit, intense and concentrated with long life ahead, flavourful and characterful. Good stuff from owner François Despagne. 40% new oak for ageing.
93 points, Jane Anson (Mar 2026)
Supple and gently fleshy with some chewiness to the palate. A touch chalky and powdery towards the finish, the power and concentration as well as edges of oak coming through at this stage, but there’s great acidity and sense of lift as well. When this comes around it will be very tasty.
93 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2026)
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