TN: Chateau Grand Corbin-Despagne 2000 (St Emilion GC)

WINE TALK
1

I thought that it might be time to try some right bank 2000 Bdx wine, so last night, to accompany a dinner of grilled lamb chops, I opened this wine which was popped and poured, not decanted, but allowed to aerate in the Riedel Bordeaux glass. The nose began with a bit of mocha, then dark fruits, some cassis-like aromas, and even a hint of animale. With aeration, it opened further, revealing some black cherry fruit as well as oak vanillins. Tasting the wine revealed layers of sweet fruit with a medium body, some minerality, and a mocha finish. The tannins are soft, and the oak is noted but subdued in the background, rather like pleasant background instrumental music at a dinner party. Unlike some of its left bank cousins from this vintage, this wine has entered its drinking window, and should easily keep another ten years or more.

Alex

2

Nice choice, Alex.

I have enjoyed the Despagne wines for well over 25 years. They age remarkably well. Currently still have a couple of magnums of the 1982 Chateau Maison Blanche (Montagne-St. Emilion), and it remains a most attractive wine the last time I opened one. Another that you may wish to seek out would be Chateau La Rose Figeac (Pomerol). These estates have been in the family for generations. The La Rose Figeac
is as good as many of its more celebrated neighbours, and the price is correspondingly lower, too.

Hank [cheers.gif]

3

Hank,

I bought this as a part of the 2000 Bdx futures campaign. I have a couple of other right bankers but more from the left bank. All the classified growth left bank B2Ks I’ve tasted are still way too young to enjoy now.

Alex

4

Digging-up and piggy-backing off on an old thread.

Just finished the last bottle from a case purchased at a little after release and a truly satisfying Bordeaux at $15ish per. Actually, had drank more than a case, as I recall polishing off a 6-pack before going for the final case purchase. While I didn’t that vanilla note as per the good TN above, this had been one Bdx2K that showed off the vintage with good ripe fruit while demonstrating complexity and terrific food-friendliness at a price that’s almost free.

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5

I’ve drunk a lot of this (and her 1998 sister too) and it really keeps well.

I do think they are fully mature now.

Old school, not gooey/syrupy fruit, so keep that in mind.

Fans of traditional estates like Batailley might want to give this a try.