The Lurton family is a legend in Bordeaux, you can hardly turn a corner without happening upon another Lurton Vineyard! The family traces its origins back to Saint Emilion in 1650 although the heart of the dynasty started in the Entre de Mers in the 19th century at Chateau Bonnet in Grezillac. Currently owned and run by Andre Lurton, Chateau Bonnet one of Bordeaux’s largest properties at over 300ha under vines.
Between all the cousins the family today owns 1300 ha of vineyards in 27 different properties from Sauternes to the Medoc via Entre deux Mers and Saint Emilion, as well as more far flung estates in South America, Spain, Portugal and Australia! In 2009 they all joined forces using the family signature to promote their wines together throughout the world.

I visited Chateau Reynier, home to Marc Lurton, this week for the last day of the harvest. His wine has been selected for the house Claret at the RAC in London’s Saint James and it is here that the Lurton clan will be presenting their wines in London this December.

Marc Lurton presents his Chateau Reynier range

Another Bordeaux clan has also joined forces since 2009 to present their wines to the world. This time they are cousins by geographical proximity rather than blood. Corbin is an area in the North Western corner of Saint Emilion up against the neighbouring Pomerol. The soils are more reminiscent of Pomerol than the classic Clay and limestone we traditionally associate with Saint Emilion. A mixture of sand, clay and the famous iron oxide that gives those truffle aromas to older Pomerols, and perfect for these Merlot dominated wines.

The lay of the land at Corbin

Once upon a time there was just one Chateau Corbin which was divided into 6 different estates in the 20th century. A common trait in Bordeaux history (think Leoville and Pichon in the 19th century). The estates that now carry the family name are Chateau Corbin, Chateau Grand Corbin, Chateau Grand Corbin Despagne  Chateau Corbin Michotte,  Chateau Haut Corbin, all Grand Cru Classes in the latest 2012 classification, and Grand Cru Grand Corbin Manuel.

The Corbin line up

It is not just about promoting the wines, they have employed a historian to get to the bottom of some of the myths surrounding these vineyards including the possible past ownership by the Black Prince and are working together planting hedgerows, training vineyard workers and analysing and draining the soils. Should you like to see this corner of Saint Emilion for yourself on the weekend they ensure that at least one of the Corbin properties will be open on Saturdays for visitors from May through October.