The 2021 Grand Corbin-Despagne opens in the glass with notes of dark berries, cassis and cherries mingled with notions of spices and smoky new oak. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and seamless, it's ample and generous, its sweet core of fruit framed by supple but youthfully structuring tannins.

The 2021 Grand Corbin-Despagne shows considerable promise. Mingling notions of sweet wild berries and plums with hints of licorice, petals and loamy soil, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and fleshy, with lively acids, fine depth at the core and beautifully polished tannins. Tasted eight times, twice at the château.
William Kelley, April 2022

This is enjoyable, earthy and full of heart, with a tight tannic frame filled with cassis and blackberry fruits, darker in character than many in the vintage. 10% amphora for ageing, 19hl/h, organic farming. Thomas Duclos and Stétphane Totoundji consultants to this estate owned by 7th generation winemaker Francois Despagne who is celebrating 210 years in the family with this vintage.
Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, May 2022

The 2021 Grand Corbin Despagne is plush, dark and expressive, but without the richness it can show in some years. Black cherry, spice, gravel, licorice and chocolate give this fleshy, easygoing Saint-Émilion plenty of charm. Antonio Galloni, Vinous, May 2022

The 2021 Grand Corbin Despagne has a high-toned bouquet of macerated small red cherries and a touch of prune. The palate is medium-bodied and quite plush, with smooth tannins, yet it is missing some complexity on the finish. Overall, this just lacks a bit of grace at the moment.

Cask sample. Iron-tinged nose with earthy notes, plum and roasted coffee. The palate is soft and the tannins are rounded and integrating well. Nice bloody notes and a lovely fruit profile. Nice salty twang on the finish. Should provide much pleasure in the short to medium term. (AC)
Drink 2025 – 2034
Jancisrobinson.com, May 2022

75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Cask sample. Expressive fruit on the nose and palate. Suave and velvety on attack, the tannins polished and fine. Nothing jarring and plenty of substance on the mid palate. Drive and freshness on the finish. (JL)

Cask sample. Iron-tinged nose with earthy notes, plum and roasted coffee. The palate is soft and the tannins are rounded and integrating well. Nice bloody notes and a lovely fruit profile. Nice salty twang on the finish. Should provide much pleasure in the short to medium term. (AC)