Château Saint-André Corbin St.-Georges St.-Emilion 2012

The 2012 Château Saint-André Corbin epitomizes the soft, succulent side of Bordeaux from St. Emilion and its satellites. In crafting a traditional blend of Merlot (75%) and Cabernet Franc (25%) Château Saint-André Corbin has once again created the quintessential Right Bank red from the diminutive 470 acre Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion appellation, an appellation known for its sophisticated, tender, fruit-driven wines. Deep ruby in color with an amplifying bouquet of fresh summer berries, cedar, and chocolate, the 2012 Château Saint-André Corbin seduces from the moment it splashes into the glass. Hauntingly beautiful in aroma, even without extended aeration, this comely red Bordeaux quickly wins favor in the mouth as well 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 claret. In short, the 2012 Château Saint-André Corbin is the finest wine we have ever tasted from this property and an absolute delight to drink now. It will, however, continue to improve with additional bottle age. For optimal enjoyment, allow this charming red Bordeaux 20-30 minutes or more of aeration before serving at cool room temperature (60°-65° F).Salut!

Fine red wines from St. Emilion and its environs are some of the world’s best wines to bring to table. Their tannic structures and varietal compositions (primarily Merlot and Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec in minor roles) lend themselves to pairing with red meats and hearty meals, especially when the wines are young. However, one need not worry too much about what to serve with the 2012 Château Saint-André Corbin: this delicious red wine shines equally well on its own as it does in the company of all kinds of meats and cheeses. When not enjoying this elegant, gracious red Bordeaux all by itself, we suggest pairing it with thin slices of rare beef tenderloin and portabella mushrooms; marinated pork tenderloin grilled to perfection and served with caramelized onions; or roast chicken, stuffed with a savory wild rice. Château Saint-André Corbin’s outstanding 2012 Bordeaux also provides the ideal foil to French cheeses such as Fourme d’Ambert, Port Salut and Reblochon. 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 2012 Château Saint-André Corbin (this month’s feature) by the Paris Concours Général Agricole. At the Paris Concours Général Agricole, France’s most prestigious wine competition, the 2012 Château Saint-Andre Corbin was awarded the much coveted Gold Medal, and this award is just the latest in a string of accolades for this wine. In short, we know of no other red Bordeaux that offers finer quality and value than Château Saint-André Corbin.