Château Talbot, Grand Cru Classé Saint-Julien, 2018

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.

That's a significant year - this is the reason for the very special, limited edition bottle design, commemorating the 100th anniversary of its purchase. The label represents the roots of the vines and the pillars of the Château; it was designed by one of the family, artist Nancy Bignon-Cordier.

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 4eme Grand Cru Classé Châteaux, in limited supply, is a truly collectable wine (particularly with its unique bottle) that will age impeccably for the next two decades. 

96 Points, James Suckling

"Rich aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco and licorice. Oyster shell, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, well integrated tannins. Polished, silky layers with a long finish. Gorgeous ripe and bright fruit in the center palate. Best in a long time."

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."

91 Points, Robert Parker

"Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Talbot features notions of baked blackcurrants, stewed plums and bouquet garni with hints of tilled soil, tobacco leaf and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is softly textured with bags of juicy black fruits supported by chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory."

93 Points, Decanter

95 Points, Wine Spectator