Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel 2016 Saint Emilion Grand Cru《F402A》

Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel 2016 Saint Emilion Grand Cru《F402A》

Corbin Manuel was once part of the original Grand Corbin estate. Interestingly, Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel was created in 1855, the same year as the original classification, when the land was separated from the Grand Corbin vineyards.

The first owner was the Bechade family. At the time of the estates creation, it was known as La Grande Metairie, which was a play on words as it can be loosely translated into a large, small holding. Eventually, the name changed into Chateau Grand Corbin.

Like many Right Bank estates, the property was sold and resold. In 1965, the estate was purchased by Pierre Manuel, who renamed the estate Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel. In 2005, the property once again changed hands when it was sold to the current owner, Stephane de Gaye.

The de Gaye family continues to manage Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel today. The de Gaye family owns two other Bordeaux chateaux, Saint-Barbe, Bordeaux Superieur and La Creation.

The 7 hectare vineyard of Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel is planted to 80% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The vines are old, with an average age of 35 to 40 years. The terroir is sand and clay soils. The vines are planted to a density of 6,600 vines per hectare.

To produce the wine of Chateau Grand Corbin Manuel, vinification takes place in temperature controlled, stainless steel vats that range in size from 62 to 72 hectoliters.

The wine is aged in 50% new, French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, depending on the vintage. On average, the production is 3,500 cases per vintage. There is a second wine, Clos de la Grande Metairie. The name for the second wine is an hommage to the original name for the property when it was first created, la Grande Metairie.

Rating

Wine Advocate 91-93pts

The 2016 Grand Corbin Manuel has a gorgeous bouquet of vibrant red cherry and blackcurrant notes with just a hint of vanilla from the new oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, harmonious and focused with well judged acidity and a finish that just seems to "flow". There is a touch of dustiness on the finish but that should disappear by the time of bottling. Very fine, though it should be afforded three or four years in bottle.