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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. 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 It’s never withdrawn into itself and has the courtesy of being in a good mood every day.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.

Vinous Media awarded the 2020 vintage 97 points, claiming “an exceptional vintage for Bordeaux, certainly the best in the 2018-2020 trilogy. Quality is very, very high.” 

The 2020 Château Talbot is a polished, classically styled Saint-Julien made from Cabernet-driven finesse and structure. Notes of blackcurrant, plum, and dark cherry mingle with graphite, truffle, tobacco leaf, and a hint of cocoa. On the palate, it’s medium to full-bodied with firm yet refined tannins and a focused, savory core. There’s Pauillac-like precision here, balanced by Talbot’s signature suaveness. Vibrant, layered, and built to evolve beautifully over the next two decades.

The long and polished 2020 Talbot leads with great fragrance followed by black fruit notes and even a hint of tar. Overall, it is less muscular, but still concentrated, and more refined than the densely paced 2018, conveying a classic St-Julien temperament. Its suaveness makes it surprisingly approachable even now. The energy and refinement of the 2020, like the 2019, make one wonder whether Laporte consciously turned down the volume after the massive 2018. ~96 Decanter

The 2020 Talbot is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections open first in the bouquet, leading into a rich palate laced with expressive dark cherry and plum fruit. A Saint-Julien of power and stature, Talbot is fabulous in 2020. I love the breadth and overall intensity here, but there is just as much focus to keep things in balance. The 2020 is superb, certainly the best in recent memory. ~95 Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media

Focused and composed with notes of currants, truffles, dried leaves, dark chocolate and graphite. It’s full-bodied, with firm, fine tannins giving sturdy support throughout. Savory and austere at the moment. Needs some time to open up. Try after 2026. ~94 James Suckling

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