Château Saint-André Corbin St.-Georges St.-Emilion 2009

The 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin epitomizes the soft, succulent side of St. Emilion wines.  In crafting a traditional blend of Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%) Château Saint-André Corbin has created the quintessential Saint-Georges-Saint Emilion from an appellation of just 470 acres that is known for its tender, fruit driven wines.  Deep ruby in color and sporting an amplifying bouquet of fresh summer berries, cedar, and chocolate, the 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin seduces from the moment it first splashes into the glass.  Hauntingly beautiful, even without extended aeration, this comely red Bordeaux quickly ingratiates the palate with a flurry of lush fruit flavors, pretty spice tones, and silky tannins – all of which impart impeccable balance and structure to this very approachable red Bordeaux.  In short, the 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin is an absolute treat to drink now, yet it will undoubtedly continue to improve in bottle for several more years.   For optimal enjoyment, allow this charming red Bordeaux 20-30 minutes or more of aeration before serving at cool room temperature.  Salut!

Ordinarily, red Bordeaux is a wine to bring to table.  Its tannic structure and varietal composition (primarily Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec) lend themselves to pairing with red meats and hearty meals, especially when the Bordeaux is young.  However, one need not worry about the 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin: it shines on its own as well as in the presence of culinary delights.  We did, however, enjoy this elegant, gracious red Bordeaux with food.  Thin slices of rare beef tenderloin and portabella mushrooms; marinated pork tenderloin, grilled to perfection and served with caramelized onions; and roast chicken, stuffed with a savory wild rice all get our nod to accompany Château Saint-André Corbin’s outstanding 2009 Bordeaux.  Bon Appétit!

Château Saint-André Corbin is the premier wine estate in the satellite appellation of St.-Georges St. Emilion and one of the oldest estates in all Bordeaux.  The château of Saint-André Corbin sits atop a hill just to the north of St. Emilion where it holds a commanding view of some of Bordeaux’s most illustrious vineyards.  Historical records indicate that this ancient 47 acre estate was once owned by the illustrious 4th century poet and Roman consul, Ausonius, and its wines graced the tables of more than one Roman emperor and his imperial entourage.  And fortunately for us, the wine of Château Saint-André Corbin has not only retained its privileged position over the years, it has improved further under its present ownership – the Saby family.

Although Château Saint-André Corbin has always enjoyed an enviable reputation, the estate’s acquisition by the Saby family in 2003 has brought Saint-André Corbin’s wine to an even higher level of quality.  Evidence of this property’s preeminent rise is the recent acclaim bestowed upon the 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin (this month’s feature).  At France’s most prestigious wine competitions, the Paris Concours Général Agricole and the Mâ con Concours des Grands Vins de France, the 2009 Château Saint-André Corbin was awarded the much coveted Gold Medal.  In short, we know no red Bordeaux that offers finer quality and value than Château Saint-André Corbin.