Château Corbin (Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé)

Château Corbin, a Grand Cru Classé on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, is one of the oldest estates in St.-Emilion, as well as one of the region’s “up-and-comers.”  A family property of 13 hectares, Corbin has been owned and managed since 1999 by Anabelle Cruse Bardinet.  After renovating the Château, rebuilding the cellars and improving vineyard and winemaking techniques, Ms. Bardinet is reaping the benefits with stylish wines that have garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

Château d’Issan has been called “one of the stars of Margaux” by Robert Parker, thanks to the leadership of Emmanuel Cruse, who took the helm of this Third Growth in 1993 and has spearheaded a dramatic rise in quality, fuelled by family investments of more than $6 million.  An historic property, where grapes have been grown since the 12^th century, the Château dates to the 17^th century and is one of the most beautiful in Bordeaux.  Acquired by Emmanuel Cruse’s grandfather in 1945, Château d’Issan remains privately owned by the Cruse family.

A Third Growth in the Classification of 1855, Château Lagrange is the largest classified growth in the Médoc, with 113 hectares under vine.  An historic estate that has enjoyed an upsurge of critical praise, Lagrange was acquired in 1983 by Suntory, the Japanese wine and spirits conglomerate, which has spared no expense in extensive replanting and renovation.  In 2007, Bruno Eynard took over as winemaker/director, having worked as second-in-command for 17 years under his predecessor and mentor, Marcel Ducasse.