The 2020 is a Talbot that marries power, breadth and savory intensity with notable stylishness and tons of personality
The 76% Cabernet Sauvignon is a record for Talbot, up from last year's record of 69%. From those figures, the direction of travel is clear: more structure, more definition and more power. Some of Talbot's more loose-limbed charm remains, and it's to the wine's advantage. Among the classic graphite and cedar notes are those wonderfully familiar touches of woodland, and a certain breadth. This is a step up from years past; there is now complexity and dimension.
The wine offers lots of blackcurrants, green tobacco, chocolate, and lead pencil notes, it's a classic Saint-Julien, with medium to full body, velvety tannins, and a rounded, layered texture. It's ripe, yet certainly plays in the fresher end of the pool
Château Talbot, a 4th Classified Growth from Saint-Julien, is one of the Médoc's iconic references. Acquired by Désiré Cordier in 1918, Château Talbot is now run by Nancy Bignon-Cordier and her husband, Jean-Paul Bignon.
Château Talbot's vineyard is a real gem, situated in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, it spreads over a 110-hectare single block vineyard, of which 102.5 hectares are dedicated to the estates first wine. These vines which are 51 years old on average, are idyllically situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary and rest on the alluvial gravel Médoc slopes.
The grapes are harvested by hand and then sorted manually and optically, before being vinified in wooden vats. The wine is aged for 15 months in barrels, 50% of which are new.
Hearty meat dishes and red meat with roasted herbs and vegetables.
Jane Anson 95/100
This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish.
96/100 Guide Bettane et Desseauve 2023
95/100 Wine Spectator
95/100 Revue des Vins De France 2023
95/100 Decanter
95/100 Wine Enthusiast
