2016 Chateau Talbot Saint-Julien

Undeniably, Talbot is one of the most famous Médoc wines and certainly one of the best values in Saint-Julien. The Cordier family (an important Bordeaux negociant) has owned Talbot for more than a century. Named after a British soldier and dating to the fourteenth century, his important estate consists of more than one hundred hectares of vines. Talbot produces wine that is recognized for the consistent quality of its vintages. 2016 is the third of a trio of highly successful vintages at Talbot. For many, Talbot embodies the ideal Saint Julien with a generous bouquet, extremely stable and dependable during aging,’ emphasizes Bettane and Desseauve in their Guide to French Wines.

Talbot has been classified as a 4th Growth since the 1855 Grand Cru classification.

At Château Talbot, the wine combines both the past and the future; respect for tradition and technological evolution live in perfect harmony. The outcome of the combination of techniques, soil, and the people who passionately work it, is wines loaded with character, harmonious, and complex with the promise of beneficial longevity. Bordeaux enthusiasts who have had the chance to drink Talbot at 10+ years know this is an amazing wine to cellar and is available at a price that won't break the bank. Indeed, compare the pricing of Talbot to its neighbors at Leoville Las Cases, Leoville Poyferre, and Leoville Barton, and you'll be giddy about the quality and value.

Talbot is a champion of longevity; even young Talbot is pleasant and rounded, always characterized by silky, mild, and very civilized tannins. Talbot possesses an expansive character. It’s never withdrawn into itself and has the courtesy of being in a good mood every day. It’s a racy wine, with floral aromas, complex marks of Havana tobacco and licorice, classically delicious without even the slightest hint of austerity.

Vine age: 50 years

Aging: 15 months in 50% New French Oak Barrels

Tasting Notes: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot. Talbot can be wound up in its youth, but it's eminently drinkable. At 6-12 years, Talbot hits its stride and it's just yummy right now. An instant classic from a stellar vintage, the wine has broad shoulders, but there are feminine qualities of floral aromas, bright black cherry fruit, and a seamless integration. This wine is a joy to drink. Get it before its gone.