| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > St Julien |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
A very well-known château throughout the world. En primeur prices are usually reasonable and the popularity of the name ensures strong demand and increased prices when it is ready to drink. Not normally a wine to win blind tastings as it is relatively early-maturing, but always popular. The big, 105 hectare, vineyard is planted with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Stephane Derenoncourt consults here. Jean-Michel Laporte (formerly of La Conseillante) is now in charge here and he is certainly upping the quality. There is now more body, depth and power than the Talbots of the past, but it is still fairly approachable at an early age.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot in 2022.
The 2022 Talbot is especially impressive, and if it fulfills all its promise, it is likely to emerge as this large Saint-Julien property's most exciting wine since the 1980s. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of violets and pencil lead, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit, rich structuring tannins and a long, lively finish. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot that's being matured in 60% new oak.
The 2022 Talbot was picked September 9-28 at 40hL/ha, slightly higher than other estates, matured in 60% new oak. Jean-Michel Laporte told me that he did a slightly longer maceration than in 2019 and 2020 during its 3.5 weeks cuvaison. It has a fragrant bouquet, well-defined with black cherries, cassis, iris and touches of brown spice. The palate is well balanced with fine weight and depth, the 13% vin de presse landing backbone. Detailed and focused, it has the same mineral spine as Gruaud Larose nearby. Quite long and lively with a tingle of white and black pepper on the finish. This is a delicious Talbot, but it is the one Saint-Julien that needs a little more depth in the middle. Nevertheless, it should age for many, many years and appeal to those seeking classicism in this vintage. 2027-2060
Mid ruby in colour with a little reduction numbing the fruit on the nose, there are notes of juniper, black pepper and leather together with more classic blackcurrant notes. Vibrant black fruit, red cherry and more leathery spice on the palate, this has a savoury, herbal and crunchy tone to add real lift. Smoky, long finish.
The tannins really are integrated and fill out across the palate. The texture is so beautiful and refined. Medium- to full-bodied and crunchy, with lovely texture and refinement.
Plum, damson, black cherry, take the overall feel of 2021 and turn on its head. Cloves and cinammon, liqourice, orange peel, pomegranate, cassis. A little atypical for St Julien in its exoticism but has freshness and grip, and underlying lift if you give it time to unwind in the glass. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Dark fruit with a stony, mineral edge. Touch of blackcurrant leaf on the palate. Juicy and fresh with a firm tannic frame. Builds on the finish. Classic St-Julien that should age well. (JL) 13.5%
Drink 2030– 2045
Ruby colour with violet reflections, vivid and intense, well sculpted, this is delicious, with texture and heart. There are clear depths to the nuanced blackberry and cassis fruits, great quality, with St Julien balance. One to follow over ageing, this is an impressive Talbot. 60% new oak for ageing.
