Chateau Talbot St. Julien Bordeaux, Complete Guide

talbot

Learn everything about Chateau Talbot St. Julien, Fourth Growth with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, information on vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all the best Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Talbot Overview and History

Legend has it that Chateau Talbot takes its name from an ancient British soldier, Connetable Talbot. In 1453, Talbot was killed during the Battle of Castillon, and the estate was named in his honor. Jumping ahead a few hundred years, Chateau Talbot remained in the hands of the d’Aux-Lally family until 1917, when the Cordier family bought the property.

The Cordier family were well-known in Bordeaux as negociants decades. And more importantly, they were responsible for distributing 100% of the wine from Chateau Talbot. That is no longer the case as the wines are now sold openly on the Place de Bordeaux to a wide variety of negociants.

The Cordier family were experienced owners as they possessed Chateau Gruaud Larose as well other vineyards including Chateau Senejac in the Haut Medoc appellation when they purchased the property.

Chateau Talbot the Modern Era

Over the past several years, the family has invested in improving the quality of their Left Bank wines as well as the vineyards, wine-making facilities, and barrel cellars.

In 2007 Talbot changed direction in an effort to improve their wine. One of their first decisions was to hire Stephane Derenoncourt as their consultant. Prior to working with Stephane Derenoncourt, following picking, Talbot used to place the berries in a tunnel that blew warm air to remove excess moisture. That practice is no longer used today.

Wanting to take advantage of every possibility for making the most of their terroir at Chateau Talbot, they have two consultants, Stephane Derenoncourt and Eric Boissenot.

To further the potential of Chateau Talbot, they finished a complete renovation of their cellars, wine-making facilities, vat rooms, and barrel cellars in 2016. The improvement can be seen in the beautiful, angular, modern, architectural cellar design. Take note of all its custom handles, which are in the shape of the letter T, as well as in the increased quality of the wines from coming from Chateau Talbot today.

Another recent change has been to pick fruit at higher degrees of ripeness while increasing their levels of sorting and reducing their yields.

Chateau Talbot has also begun experimenting with the Genodics system in their Medoc vineyards. The Genodics system emits various sounds and frequencies to enhance or curtail the growth of proteins in the vines.

The hope is that the various levels of frequencies reduce or remove the ability of parasites and diseases from developing. In late 2017, following the harvest, Jean-Michel Laporte was named the director of the estate, a position he previously held at Chateau La Conseillante in Pomerol.

Lorraine Cordier and Nancy Bignon-Cordier, the daughters of Jean Cordier own and manage Chateau Talbot today.

Chateau Talbot Barrel room

Chateau Talbot Vineyard, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The sizeable 107-hectare vineyard of Chateau Talbot is planted to 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. This shows a decrease in the amount of Cabernet Sauvignon that was planted in the vineyard as recently as the mid, 1990s.

With 102 hectares of vines, Chateau Talbot has one of the largest vineyards in the Medoc, and even more interestingly, that makes Talbot a contender for the biggest vineyard in the Left Bank that is in one large, single block of vines.

Although their vineyard takes a few twists, turns, and angles, here and there, it is truly a single, massive parcel of vines. They have good neighbors, as their vineyard abuts vines from Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Leoville Barton, and Leoville Poyferre.

Chateau Talbot also occupies the highest elevations in the Saint Julien appellation at 23 meters at its peak elevation. The terroir is mostly gravel, sand, and clay soils over sandstone, clay, sand, and iron, which is just below the surface.

There is also a small section of land, about 5 hectares devoted to the production of white Bordeaux wine made from plantings of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Talbot Caillou Blanc is one of the oldest white Bordeaux wines produced in the Medoc, with vintages dating back to the 1930s.

The white wine vines are planted to 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon in a cooler terroir that has much more clay in the soil. The vines for the red wine are on average around 30 years old. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 7,700 vines per hectare.

Chateau Talbot Winemaking

To produce the red wine of Chateau Talbot, the wine is vinified in a combination of temperature-controlled, large, truncated, wood vats and stainless steel tanks.

The stainless steel tanks are used only for the young vines. The wine of Chateau Talbot is then aged in 50% to 60% new, French oak barrels for an average of 14-16 months. On average, the production of the Grand Vin is close to 25,000 cases per year of Chateau Talbot.

The best vintages of Chateau Talbot are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2005, 1986, 1982 and 1961. Older vintages of Chateau Talbot are said to have the ability to age, so they might be worth taking a risk on when buying at auction.

Chateau Talbot White Bordeaux Wine

Chateau Talbot also produces a white Bordeaux wine called Le Caillou Blanc. Le Caillou Blanc is the only white wine produced in the Saint Julien appellation. In fact, it is also one of the first white Bordeaux wines ever produced in the Medoc.

The first vintages of Talbot Le Caillou Blanc came out in the 1930s. There is a second wine, Connetable Talbot as well as a third wine, Seigneur de Talbot.

When to Drink Chateau Talbot, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Talbot can be enjoyed on the young side with several hours of decanting. However, the wine is usually better at 7-10 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character.

In the best years, the wine will best between 12 and 20 to 25 years of age after the vintage. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2 hours. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume.

Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Older vintages, from the 1950s, 1960’s and 1980’s seem to age better than the current years. But time will tell.

Serving Chateau Talbot with the Best Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Talbot is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Talbot is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed, and grilled dishes. Talbot is also good when served with Asian dishes, hearty seafood, or richly textured fish like tuna, mushrooms, pasta, and cheese.

www.chateau-talbot.com

Château Talbot Wine Tasting Notes

43 Vintages 319,458 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
94
Spice, flowers, currants, oak, cherries, and spearmint produce the aromatic profile. The palate is elegant, fresh, vibrant, and energetic. The red berries deliver lift, sweetness, length, and complexity. You can look at this as the perfect juxtaposition between classic, and modern, with age worthy structure, and sweet, ripe freshness in the fruits. The wine is produced from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV, 3.75 pH. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting took place September 9- September 28. Drink from 2024-2040. 93-95 Pts.

Spice, flowers, currants, oak, cherries, and spearmint produce the aromatic profile. The palate is elegant, fresh, vibrant, and energetic. The red berries deliver lift, sweetness, length, and complexity. You can look at this as the perfect juxtaposition between classic, and modern, with age worthy structure, and sweet, ripe freshness in the fruits. The wine is produced from blending 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV, 3.75 pH. Yields were 40 hectoliters per hectare. Harvesting took place September 9- September 28. Drink from 2024-2040. 93-95 Pts.

2,714 Views   Tasted
2022
92
Yellow citrus, white peach, orange rind and honeysuckle scents open the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, sweet, exuberant and fruity, with just a hint of chalk in the backend of the finish. The wine blends 71% Sauvignon Blanc and 29% Semillon.14% ABV. Drink from 2024-2028. 92-92 Pts.

Yellow citrus, white peach, orange rind and honeysuckle scents open the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, sweet, exuberant and fruity, with just a hint of chalk in the backend of the finish. The wine blends 71% Sauvignon Blanc and 29% Semillon.14% ABV. Drink from 2024-2028. 92-92 Pts.

2,132 Views   Tasted
2022
90
Flowers, mint leaves, and red fruits work in the nose. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, forward, and fruity with lift and energy in the red currants, and spice in the finish. The wine blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon with 44% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2032. 89-91 Pts.

Flowers, mint leaves, and red fruits work in the nose. The medium-bodied palate is fresh, forward, and fruity with lift and energy in the red currants, and spice in the finish. The wine blends 56% Cabernet Sauvignon with 44% Merlot. Drink from 2025-2032. 89-91 Pts.

2,286 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Sweet lemon rind, flowers, orange and honeysuckle, with a nice bite of Granny Smith apples on the palate work well here in this early drinking, refreshing wine. The wine blends 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Semillon, 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2023-2027. 91-91

Sweet lemon rind, flowers, orange and honeysuckle, with a nice bite of Granny Smith apples on the palate work well here in this early drinking, refreshing wine. The wine blends 73% Sauvignon Blanc and 27% Semillon, 13.5% ABV. Drink from 2023-2027. 91-91

1,735 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Forward, fresh, crisp, and packed with juicy, bright red fruits, mint, herbs, cedar and tobacco leaves, the wine is medium-bodied, savory, soft, leafy and vibrant, with a nice pop to the red berries in the mid-palate that stick around through to the end of the finish. The wine is produced blends 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2042.

Forward, fresh, crisp, and packed with juicy, bright red fruits, mint, herbs, cedar and tobacco leaves, the wine is medium-bodied, savory, soft, leafy and vibrant, with a nice pop to the red berries in the mid-palate that stick around through to the end of the finish. The wine is produced blends 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. Drink from 2024-2042.

461 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, soft, round, and easily drinkable in its youth, the wine is focused on its vibrant, earthy core of spicy, fresh, red and black currants along with green, leafy herbs. The wine is produced from blending 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. 12.8% ABV. Drink from 2024-2040. 89-91

Medium-bodied, soft, round, and easily drinkable in its youth, the wine is focused on its vibrant, earthy core of spicy, fresh, red and black currants along with green, leafy herbs. The wine is produced from blending 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. 12.8% ABV. Drink from 2024-2040. 89-91

2,393 Views   Tasted
2021
86
Medium-bodied, forward, soft, vibrant and fresh, this charmer will be just great to enjoy on release and over the near-term for its sweet red fruits. Drink from 2023-2031. 85-87

Medium-bodied, forward, soft, vibrant and fresh, this charmer will be just great to enjoy on release and over the near-term for its sweet red fruits. Drink from 2023-2031. 85-87

1,948 Views   Tasted
2020
93
Classy and classic, the wine pops with aromatics consisting of flowers, tobacco leaf, currants, spearmint and peppery blackberries. On the palate, the wine is medium/full-bodied, lively and loaded with layers of sweet, juicy, fresh black and red currants, savory herbs, wet earth, and dark cocoa. Give it just a few years in the bottle and it will offer over 2 decades of pleasure. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. Drink from 2025-2050.

Classy and classic, the wine pops with aromatics consisting of flowers, tobacco leaf, currants, spearmint and peppery blackberries. On the palate, the wine is medium/full-bodied, lively and loaded with layers of sweet, juicy, fresh black and red currants, savory herbs, wet earth, and dark cocoa. Give it just a few years in the bottle and it will offer over 2 decades of pleasure. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. Drink from 2025-2050.

3,720 Views   Tasted
The array of flowers and fruits here, blackberry, black currant, kirsch and cassis is just great! Concentrated, fresh and lifted, the wine is long, elegant, and expansive with a solid touch of minerality and crispness to the fruits on the palate and in the finish bringing complexity and ageability here. This is going to be just great with 7-9 years of aging. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. 93-95 Pts 92-94 Pts

The array of flowers and fruits here, blackberry, black currant, kirsch and cassis is just great! Concentrated, fresh and lifted, the wine is long, elegant, and expansive with a solid touch of minerality and crispness to the fruits on the palate and in the finish bringing complexity and ageability here. This is going to be just great with 7-9 years of aging. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. 93-95 Pts 92-94 Pts

3,294 Views   Tasted
2020
91
Yellow citrus, orange rind, almonds and honeysuckle show up in the nose and on the creamy, round, lush, palate. The color seemed quite dark, so while I liked the wine, I would opt for drinking it over the next few years. Drink from 2023-2026.

Yellow citrus, orange rind, almonds and honeysuckle show up in the nose and on the creamy, round, lush, palate. The color seemed quite dark, so while I liked the wine, I would opt for drinking it over the next few years. Drink from 2023-2026.

1,623 Views   Tasted
Floral with white peach, tangerine, pineapple and lemon rind on the nose, the wine is fresh, bright, lifted with rich, lush, creamy sweet finish and balancing acidity. 92 Pts

Floral with white peach, tangerine, pineapple and lemon rind on the nose, the wine is fresh, bright, lifted with rich, lush, creamy sweet finish and balancing acidity. 92 Pts

2,681 Views   Tasted
2020
90
Floral in nature with the addition of chalky red currants and cherries are in the nose of this, medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant, silky charmer. This has really popped up during the barrel aging. Drink from 2023-2035.

Floral in nature with the addition of chalky red currants and cherries are in the nose of this, medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant, silky charmer. This has really popped up during the barrel aging. Drink from 2023-2035.

2,072 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, early drinking, soft, forward, bright, spicy, fresh red currant and espresso filled wine that will show best in its youth. 88-86 Pts

Medium-bodied, early drinking, soft, forward, bright, spicy, fresh red currant and espresso filled wine that will show best in its youth. 88-86 Pts

3,054 Views   Tasted
2019
93
Medium-bodied with an olive and savory on the palate, the wine opens with juicy, fresh, bright currants and spice. Tannic, crisp and fresh, the vibrant palate offers a nice, chewy, crunch to the fruit on the palate and in the finish, which ends with a tangy hint of sweet cranberry, spice and herbs. Drink from 2030-2055.

Medium-bodied with an olive and savory on the palate, the wine opens with juicy, fresh, bright currants and spice. Tannic, crisp and fresh, the vibrant palate offers a nice, chewy, crunch to the fruit on the palate and in the finish, which ends with a tangy hint of sweet cranberry, spice and herbs. Drink from 2030-2055.

3,684 Views   Tasted
Refined, elegant, silky tannins, medium-bodied and fresh, the fruit focuses on its purity, length and persistence. The juicy black currants with a tangy hint of sweet cranberry on the palate are perfectly in synch with the tobacco leaf, cigar wrapper, spice and smoky cherry nose. This is going to be just great with 7-9 years of aging. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. 93-95 Pts

Refined, elegant, silky tannins, medium-bodied and fresh, the fruit focuses on its purity, length and persistence. The juicy black currants with a tangy hint of sweet cranberry on the palate are perfectly in synch with the tobacco leaf, cigar wrapper, spice and smoky cherry nose. This is going to be just great with 7-9 years of aging. Things continue improving here under the direction of Jean-Michel Laporte. 93-95 Pts

7,850 Views   Tasted
2019
91
Honey, white peach, lemons, almonds and flowers come through easily in this ready to drink, fresh, creamy. green apple filled Bordeaux Blanc. Drink from 2022-2027.

Honey, white peach, lemons, almonds and flowers come through easily in this ready to drink, fresh, creamy. green apple filled Bordeaux Blanc. Drink from 2022-2027.

1,915 Views   Tasted
White peach, flowers, orange and yellow citrus open the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, juicy and ends with a creamy, sweet, yellow citrus rind note. 91 Pts

White peach, flowers, orange and yellow citrus open the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, juicy and ends with a creamy, sweet, yellow citrus rind note. 91 Pts

3,702 Views   Tasted
2019
89
Forward, soft and fruity, the wine is medium-bodied, and already tasting just great due to all of its up-front, sweet, earthy, spicy, savory-edged fruits. Drink from 2022-2031.

Forward, soft and fruity, the wine is medium-bodied, and already tasting just great due to all of its up-front, sweet, earthy, spicy, savory-edged fruits. Drink from 2022-2031.

2,079 Views   Tasted
Medium-bodied, forward and already showing earthy red fruits, spice and leafy aromas, the wine is soft, open and accessible, with a sweet red currant finish. This will be great to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 88-90 Pts

Medium-bodied, forward and already showing earthy red fruits, spice and leafy aromas, the wine is soft, open and accessible, with a sweet red currant finish. This will be great to enjoy on release while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. 88-90 Pts

3,913 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Smoke, espresso, tobacco leaf, cedar, currants and spice create a beautiful nose. On the palate the wine is round, juicy, fruity and packed with sweet currants, herbs and oak. Give this at least 8 years of cellaring to develop more nuances and for the oak to better integrate.

Smoke, espresso, tobacco leaf, cedar, currants and spice create a beautiful nose. On the palate the wine is round, juicy, fruity and packed with sweet currants, herbs and oak. Give this at least 8 years of cellaring to develop more nuances and for the oak to better integrate.

5,783 Views   Tasted
Elegant and refined, this wine offers intriguing depth on the mid-palate. Medium-bodied, sweet, fresh and round, there is a nice touch of licorice, black fruits, earth and spice that carries through from start to finish. The wine is made from 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV. This is the first vintage at Talbot with Jean-Michel Laporte in charge. 92-94 Pts

Elegant and refined, this wine offers intriguing depth on the mid-palate. Medium-bodied, sweet, fresh and round, there is a nice touch of licorice, black fruits, earth and spice that carries through from start to finish. The wine is made from 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, reaching 14% ABV. This is the first vintage at Talbot with Jean-Michel Laporte in charge. 92-94 Pts

6,164 Views   Tasted
2018
92
Light touches of yellow tropical fruits, white peach and honeysuckle form the nose. On the palate the wine is sweet, juicy and creamy with notes of green apple and citrus in the finish.

Light touches of yellow tropical fruits, white peach and honeysuckle form the nose. On the palate the wine is sweet, juicy and creamy with notes of green apple and citrus in the finish.

1,832 Views   Tasted
With a strong floral accent that plays escort to all the tropical fruits, orange and yellow citrus, the wine is fresh, refreshing and slightly honeyed in the juicy, ready to drink finish. The wine is a blend 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Semillon.

With a strong floral accent that plays escort to all the tropical fruits, orange and yellow citrus, the wine is fresh, refreshing and slightly honeyed in the juicy, ready to drink finish. The wine is a blend 69% Sauvignon Blanc and 31% Semillon.

2,412 Views   Tasted
2018
90
Medium-bodied, forward already charming to drink, this soft textured, fruity gem, with its fresh, savory red currants, spice and tobacco leaf is perfect for near-term drinking while you wait for the Grand Vin to mature.

Medium-bodied, forward already charming to drink, this soft textured, fruity gem, with its fresh, savory red currants, spice and tobacco leaf is perfect for near-term drinking while you wait for the Grand Vin to mature.

3,583 Views   Tasted
2017
91
Medium-bodied, with a floral, tobacco, red cherry and crunchy fruit component in its core, those characters, along with toasty oak shine through from start to the bright finish. Classic in style, give this some time in the cellar before pulling a cork.

Medium-bodied, with a floral, tobacco, red cherry and crunchy fruit component in its core, those characters, along with toasty oak shine through from start to the bright finish. Classic in style, give this some time in the cellar before pulling a cork.

4,698 Views   Tasted
Bright red fruit, crisp tannins, thyme, tobacco and cedar notes lead the way to a medium/full bodied, crisp wine with an earthy edging to the leafy, black currants in the finish.

Bright red fruit, crisp tannins, thyme, tobacco and cedar notes lead the way to a medium/full bodied, crisp wine with an earthy edging to the leafy, black currants in the finish.

2,864 Views   Tasted
2016
92
The smoke, licorice, espresso and ripe dark, spicy fruits all shine with ease here. Round in texture and a touch oaky, the wine leaves you with sweet, dark red fruits, espresso and licorice, with a nice cedar note. .

The smoke, licorice, espresso and ripe dark, spicy fruits all shine with ease here. Round in texture and a touch oaky, the wine leaves you with sweet, dark red fruits, espresso and licorice, with a nice cedar note. .

4,328 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied with sweet black plums and a licorice, espresso personality, this one is already approachable with round textures and an oaky, juicy, dark fruit finish. The wine was made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.

Medium bodied with sweet black plums and a licorice, espresso personality, this one is already approachable with round textures and an oaky, juicy, dark fruit finish. The wine was made from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.

4,641 Views   Tasted
2015
92
A well made charmer. The wine opens with a smoke and espresso filled nose that adds black cherry, licorice and cassis as the wine takes in air. Soft, refined, forward and open, a few years will add more to the round textured, polished finish. .

A well made charmer. The wine opens with a smoke and espresso filled nose that adds black cherry, licorice and cassis as the wine takes in air. Soft, refined, forward and open, a few years will add more to the round textured, polished finish. .

5,636 Views   Tasted
Espresso, smoke, licorice, cassis and black cherry create the nose. Forward in style with round-textures and an earthy, blackberry and cassis finish. 91 - 93 Pts

Espresso, smoke, licorice, cassis and black cherry create the nose. Forward in style with round-textures and an earthy, blackberry and cassis finish. 91 - 93 Pts

3,853 Views   Tasted
2014
90
Medium bodied, with bit of strictness in the tannin that leaves you with a touch of dryness in the finish, that takes away from the otherwise, complex aromatics and tasty, spicy, earthy fruits.

Medium bodied, with bit of strictness in the tannin that leaves you with a touch of dryness in the finish, that takes away from the otherwise, complex aromatics and tasty, spicy, earthy fruits.

4,134 Views   Tasted
Forward in style with a nose of espresso, blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa and the woodsy aroma of terre-mere, this round-textured wine radiates an easy-to-like quality which is soft, fresh and clean. This is the best vintage for Talbot produced with the aid of the Stephane Derenoncourt team yet. 91-93 Pts

Forward in style with a nose of espresso, blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa and the woodsy aroma of terre-mere, this round-textured wine radiates an easy-to-like quality which is soft, fresh and clean. This is the best vintage for Talbot produced with the aid of the Stephane Derenoncourt team yet. 91-93 Pts

4,886 Views   Tasted
2013
88
With a nice floral note on top of the red fruits, licorice and espresso, this medium bodied wine is set to give early drinking pleasures.

With a nice floral note on top of the red fruits, licorice and espresso, this medium bodied wine is set to give early drinking pleasures.

2,743 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied with a whiff of oak in the red berry nose, the wine is on the light side. This is for early drinking in its first decade of life. 87-88 Pts

Medium bodied with a whiff of oak in the red berry nose, the wine is on the light side. This is for early drinking in its first decade of life. 87-88 Pts

2,870 Views   Tasted
2012
90
Medium bodied, sweet and tart red berry dominated wine with an earthy, cedar and tobacco kick to the nose. Forward in style, the wine will drink well by its 10th birthday.

Medium bodied, sweet and tart red berry dominated wine with an earthy, cedar and tobacco kick to the nose. Forward in style, the wine will drink well by its 10th birthday.

5,090 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, forward, with an open style that is already showing off its licorice, espresso, black cherry and round, earthy profile.

Medium bodied, forward, with an open style that is already showing off its licorice, espresso, black cherry and round, earthy profile.

4,393 Views   Tasted
Licorice, black raspberry, and espresso scents open to a soft, polished, round, medium-bodied wine filled with black cherries. From a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.6% ABV. 89-91 Pts

Licorice, black raspberry, and espresso scents open to a soft, polished, round, medium-bodied wine filled with black cherries. From a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.6% ABV. 89-91 Pts

3,053 Views   Tasted
2011
89
Smoke, juicy, ripe, dark, red berries, licorice and espresso beans create the aromatics. The tannins are a bit dry, which carries through into the finish.

Smoke, juicy, ripe, dark, red berries, licorice and espresso beans create the aromatics. The tannins are a bit dry, which carries through into the finish.

5,050 Views   Tasted
With truffle, coffee, smoke and black cherry jam, this medium-bodied wine has round tannins with a short, fresh red berry finish. 88-90 Pts.

With truffle, coffee, smoke and black cherry jam, this medium-bodied wine has round tannins with a short, fresh red berry finish. 88-90 Pts.

4,231 Views   Tasted
2010
89
2010 Talbot Using 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine offers cassis, earth and tobacco scents. Medium/full bodied, the cassis filled finish shows a hint of green flavors in the end. 88-90 Pts

2010 Talbot Using 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, the wine offers cassis, earth and tobacco scents. Medium/full bodied, the cassis filled finish shows a hint of green flavors in the end. 88-90 Pts

7,176 Views   Tasted
2009
90
With a spicy, floral leaning to the fresh red fruits, you also find soft, polished, round textures, a medium-body and a finish serving up sweet, dark cherries, thyme and espresso. You can drink this young, or age it for more nuances and complexities.

With a spicy, floral leaning to the fresh red fruits, you also find soft, polished, round textures, a medium-body and a finish serving up sweet, dark cherries, thyme and espresso. You can drink this young, or age it for more nuances and complexities.

7,277 Views   Tasted
Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, thanks to the help of consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt, the wine offers polished, round textures and a perfume loaded with coffee, ripe, juicy, dark berries, licorice and black cherry jam.

Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, thanks to the help of consultant, Stephane Derenoncourt, the wine offers polished, round textures and a perfume loaded with coffee, ripe, juicy, dark berries, licorice and black cherry jam.

11,264 Views   Tasted
Deeply colored, with aromas of licorice, cassis, herbs, oak and earth, this charming, full bodied, round textured St. Julien wine is filled with juicy ripe blackberries and cassis.

Deeply colored, with aromas of licorice, cassis, herbs, oak and earth, this charming, full bodied, round textured St. Julien wine is filled with juicy ripe blackberries and cassis.

10,367 Views   Tasted
2009 Talbot is earthy, offering licorice covered dark berry flavors with soft opulent textures, and a sweet finish filled with cassis, spice, and fennel. 90-92 Pts

2009 Talbot is earthy, offering licorice covered dark berry flavors with soft opulent textures, and a sweet finish filled with cassis, spice, and fennel. 90-92 Pts

11,438 Views   Tasted
2008
91
08 Château Talbot is a big step up from previous vintages. Cassis, oak, and spice are in the bouquet. Even though opulent in texture, the wine lacks some concentration. What’s behind the improvement in the estate is the recent decision to hire Stephane Derenoncourt as the consultant. 90-92 Pts

08 Château Talbot is a big step up from previous vintages. Cassis, oak, and spice are in the bouquet. Even though opulent in texture, the wine lacks some concentration. What’s behind the improvement in the estate is the recent decision to hire Stephane Derenoncourt as the consultant. 90-92 Pts

7,429 Views   Tasted
2007
84
Lean, earthy, medium bodied, tobacco and red berry on the nose. Light in color and in fruit, the wine is on the tart, herbal side of the style range and needs to be consumed.

Lean, earthy, medium bodied, tobacco and red berry on the nose. Light in color and in fruit, the wine is on the tart, herbal side of the style range and needs to be consumed.

4,868 Views   Tasted
Lean, earthy, medium bodied, tobacco and reb berry on the nose. Light in color and in fruit, the wine is on the tart, herbal side of the style range and needs to be consumed.

Lean, earthy, medium bodied, tobacco and reb berry on the nose. Light in color and in fruit, the wine is on the tart, herbal side of the style range and needs to be consumed.

4,713 Views   Tasted
2006
89
Better on the earthy, tobacco and crisp red berry nose, than on the lean, medium bodied, firm, palate.

Better on the earthy, tobacco and crisp red berry nose, than on the lean, medium bodied, firm, palate.

3,572 Views   Tasted
Foursquare, medium bodied and focused on the crisp, red berry side of the Cabernet Sauvignon, lovers of older, less ripe styles of wine should be all over this.

Foursquare, medium bodied and focused on the crisp, red berry side of the Cabernet Sauvignon, lovers of older, less ripe styles of wine should be all over this.

4,959 Views   Tasted
2005
91
Tannic, tight and still a touch okay, this is soft and approachable at a young age for Talbot. Licorice, earth, cassis, blackberry, smoke and coffee aromas lead to a fresh, round, dark berry filled finish. Another 5 years will add a lot of complexity to this wine.

Tannic, tight and still a touch okay, this is soft and approachable at a young age for Talbot. Licorice, earth, cassis, blackberry, smoke and coffee aromas lead to a fresh, round, dark berry filled finish. Another 5 years will add a lot of complexity to this wine.

13,106 Views   Tasted
2004
88
Mature, medium bodied, with a focus on bright red fruits, cranberry, herbs and earth in its personality.

Mature, medium bodied, with a focus on bright red fruits, cranberry, herbs and earth in its personality.

3,416 Views   Tasted
2003
90
Already developed, this soft, lush, round textured St. Julien offers blackberry, black cherry, herbs, spice, earth and tobacco notes. This medium bodied wine is not going to make old bones. I'd drink it now, or at least finish it by the time the wines hits 15 years of age, give or take a few years.

Already developed, this soft, lush, round textured St. Julien offers blackberry, black cherry, herbs, spice, earth and tobacco notes. This medium bodied wine is not going to make old bones. I'd drink it now, or at least finish it by the time the wines hits 15 years of age, give or take a few years.

5,586 Views   Tasted
2002
89
Better on the nose, with its fresh red fruits, herbs, cedar, tobacco and earthy, forest leaf profile, than on the full-bodied, crisp, firm, classic, four square palate. At 18 years of age, it could improve. But my guess is, the wine is formed. So, if you have a bottle, give it an hour or more in the decanter, but there is not much reason to wait.

Better on the nose, with its fresh red fruits, herbs, cedar, tobacco and earthy, forest leaf profile, than on the full-bodied, crisp, firm, classic, four square palate. At 18 years of age, it could improve. But my guess is, the wine is formed. So, if you have a bottle, give it an hour or more in the decanter, but there is not much reason to wait.

4,136 Views   Tasted
2001
90
There is a lot of classic charm here, with its tobacco, black raspberry, cedar and earthy character. The tannins are soft, but present, letting you know this is nice now, and will be better with a bit more time in the bottle.

There is a lot of classic charm here, with its tobacco, black raspberry, cedar and earthy character. The tannins are soft, but present, letting you know this is nice now, and will be better with a bit more time in the bottle.

6,071 Views   Tasted
2000
90
Earth, barnyard, green olive tapenade, cassis and herbal aromas lead to a Bordeaux wine on the lean, austere side. The finish offers cassis, olives and a drying tannic finish. Still young, perhaps this will fill out with time, but it will always maintain the herbaceous, olive profile.

Earth, barnyard, green olive tapenade, cassis and herbal aromas lead to a Bordeaux wine on the lean, austere side. The finish offers cassis, olives and a drying tannic finish. Still young, perhaps this will fill out with time, but it will always maintain the herbaceous, olive profile.

13,241 Views   Tasted
1996
89
Fully developed, and in its sweet spot, the wine is medium bodied and easily offers up its smoky, earthy, herbal, slightly rustic, red berry character.

Fully developed, and in its sweet spot, the wine is medium bodied and easily offers up its smoky, earthy, herbal, slightly rustic, red berry character.

3,204 Views   Tasted
1995
87
Austere, tannic, firm wine with a hard side to its character. The tannins dominate the crisp, red fruits, wet earth, tobacco, forest leaf and herbal nature. Lean and stern, there are fans of this older, strict style of wine that will enjoy it more than I did.

Austere, tannic, firm wine with a hard side to its character. The tannins dominate the crisp, red fruits, wet earth, tobacco, forest leaf and herbal nature. Lean and stern, there are fans of this older, strict style of wine that will enjoy it more than I did.

3,606 Views   Tasted
1990
89
Fully mature, the wine lacks the density and purity of its neighbors. But the fruit is clearly ripe. Better on the nose than the palate, the bouquet, with its cedar chest, tobacco leaf, smoke, thyme, and woodsy aromatics are a treat. The wine is soft and has taken the textures showing the patina of age. From memory, I liked this wine a lot more 10 years ago.

Fully mature, the wine lacks the density and purity of its neighbors. But the fruit is clearly ripe. Better on the nose than the palate, the bouquet, with its cedar chest, tobacco leaf, smoke, thyme, and woodsy aromatics are a treat. The wine is soft and has taken the textures showing the patina of age. From memory, I liked this wine a lot more 10 years ago.

3,639 Views   Tasted
1989
87
Typical Cordier funk nose with a touch of barnyard, cassis, black fruit, tobacco and a hint of rhubarb. Decent texture, but not much elegance or excitement. The wine delivers more on the nose than the palate.

Typical Cordier funk nose with a touch of barnyard, cassis, black fruit, tobacco and a hint of rhubarb. Decent texture, but not much elegance or excitement. The wine delivers more on the nose than the palate.

6,140 Views   Tasted
Typical Cordier funk nose with a touch of barnyard, cassis, and black fruit, along with a hint of rhubarb. Decent texture, but not much elegance or excitement.

Typical Cordier funk nose with a touch of barnyard, cassis, and black fruit, along with a hint of rhubarb. Decent texture, but not much elegance or excitement.

8,537 Views   Tasted
1986
91
Powerful, masculine, brawny and still tannic, the wine is concentrated with beefy, dark fruits, earth and tobacco. Classic in style, with a lot of earth, cigar box, cedar and barnyard, some people are going to like this more than others.

Powerful, masculine, brawny and still tannic, the wine is concentrated with beefy, dark fruits, earth and tobacco. Classic in style, with a lot of earth, cigar box, cedar and barnyard, some people are going to like this more than others.

6,270 Views   Tasted
It is a brutish style, but if you're looking for a boatload of ripe Cabernet fruit served with a massive dose of tannin, you found it! If you're seeking wines that exchanges elegance for power, this is it

It is a brutish style, but if you're looking for a boatload of ripe Cabernet fruit served with a massive dose of tannin, you found it! If you're seeking wines that exchanges elegance for power, this is it

4,813 Views   Tasted
1982
93
Fully mature, with a nose of tobacco, cigar box, cassis, figs and a hint of jam. The wine is full bodied, concentrated and feels great through the earthy, cassis and cigar wrapper finish.

Fully mature, with a nose of tobacco, cigar box, cassis, figs and a hint of jam. The wine is full bodied, concentrated and feels great through the earthy, cassis and cigar wrapper finish.

4,778 Views   Tasted
Barnyard, earth, leather, tobacco, cedar and black cherry, some rusticity and dryness in the textures with an earthy, solid textured, tart cassis and olive finish. This one of those wines that fans of more traditional Bordeaux will like it a lot more than I did.

Barnyard, earth, leather, tobacco, cedar and black cherry, some rusticity and dryness in the textures with an earthy, solid textured, tart cassis and olive finish. This one of those wines that fans of more traditional Bordeaux will like it a lot more than I did.

6,193 Views   Tasted
1975
86
Tough, austere and strict, the wine lacks charm. Lovers of these old, classic vintages could like this better than I did.

Tough, austere and strict, the wine lacks charm. Lovers of these old, classic vintages could like this better than I did.

3,894 Views   Tasted
1961
87
Starting to dry out, medium bodied with more cranberry than cassis, tobacco, earth, smoke, wet forest floor and cigar box, the finish has started to take on tart, rustic qualities. Better on the nose than the palate. drink up.

Starting to dry out, medium bodied with more cranberry than cassis, tobacco, earth, smoke, wet forest floor and cigar box, the finish has started to take on tart, rustic qualities. Better on the nose than the palate. drink up.

7,640 Views   Tasted
1955
92
Surprisingly good, and in much better than the fabled 1961 and many other mature vintages of Talbot, the wine offers the perfect blend of tertiary notes and ripe, dusty, fresh piquant cassis and cherries. On the fresh side, but in the exact ripe proportion, the wine provided character, sweet and tart red berries and a gorgeous cedar and tobacco stained charm. There is no reason for further aging, but if you find a bottle in great shape at an auction, it is worth taking a chance on.

Surprisingly good, and in much better than the fabled 1961 and many other mature vintages of Talbot, the wine offers the perfect blend of tertiary notes and ripe, dusty, fresh piquant cassis and cherries. On the fresh side, but in the exact ripe proportion, the wine provided character, sweet and tart red berries and a gorgeous cedar and tobacco stained charm. There is no reason for further aging, but if you find a bottle in great shape at an auction, it is worth taking a chance on.

3,018 Views   Tasted
1949
75
At least this particular bottle has developed strong balsamic scents that almost overwhelmed the remain, tobacco, cigar box, cedar, leather and lead pencil notes. Not much fruit remained, as the wine has shifted to the sharper, brighter, acidic side of the tart, red berry range. Perhaps larger formats will show better, but this is a risky bottle to purchase today.

At least this particular bottle has developed strong balsamic scents that almost overwhelmed the remain, tobacco, cigar box, cedar, leather and lead pencil notes. Not much fruit remained, as the wine has shifted to the sharper, brighter, acidic side of the tart, red berry range. Perhaps larger formats will show better, but this is a risky bottle to purchase today.

3,607 Views   Tasted