One of the most popular and enduring of Châteaux from anywhere in the Médoc, this is a polished jewel in the crown of Saint-Julien, comprising one of the largest single-vineyard estates in the region at 105 hectares. With a history of nearly a thousand years featuring French and British royal family ownership, the estate has been home to the Cordier family since 1918.
Careful management and consistency are the hallmarks of Talbot's reception around the world, while delicious flavours of cassis, cedarwood and vanilla are delivered in velvet-smooth texture with a subtle, and a broad, medium-full power wins the heart with every glass.
Talbot make a white as well, dedicating some 5 hectares of land to their production, but the red is what has put them on the map. The vineyards are roughly divided with 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, about 3% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Wine making is very traditional and ageing is done in barriques for around 18 months, with half of the barrels being new.
The best examples are perfumed and layered with aromas of cedarwood, vanilla black fruits and a palate that can be rich, svelte and packed full of ripe, black fruits and fine-grained, integrated tannins. It is classified as a 4th Growth and has immense popularity on account of the consistency, high quality and relatively approachable pricing at en primeur release prices.
This Châteaux, in limited supply, is a truly collectable wine that will age impeccably for the next two decades.
94 Points, James Suckling
"This is already a beautiful St.-Julien that’s ripe and elegant with not a jot too much oak or tannin, but a very fresh and lively finish that keeps on going. However, there are some serious reserves in this wine that need time to be released. Already very harmonious, but better from 2021."
93 Points, Tim Atkin
"This is the best young Talbot I’ve had for a while, underlining recent improvements at the château. Dense, chewy and made to last, with serious tannic structure, waves of damson and blueberry fruit, well handled oak and bright acidity."
92 Points, Robert Parker
"The 2016 Talbot is medium garnet-purple coloured and opens with pretty floral notes of roses and lavender with a core of cassis, blackberry preserves and kirsch plus wafts of cigar box and spearmint. Medium-bodied with a lovely intensity of black and red fruit flavours, it has a ripe, grainy texture and compelling freshness, finishing savoury."
93 Points, Decanter
95 Points, Wine Spectator
Region: Saint-Julien
Country: France
Grape(s): Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Style: Smooth, Silky, Rich, Full, Elegant, Dark, Complex, Balanced
Best food matches: Steak, Red Meats, Mature Cheeses, Lamb, Fine Dining, Charcuterie, Beef
Alcohol: 13.5%
