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

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