| 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 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 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.
In 2025 Talbot is 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot. 13.2% ABV. Yield 28 hl/ha.
The 2025 Talbot contains the highest ever Petit Verdot (9%) this year due to more generous yields. Picked from September 5 to 22, a little quicker than expected as Laporte spotted some botrytis, at 28 hl/ha, this is matured in 60% new oak barrels. It has a generous bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit intermixed with mocha and light undergrowth scents, typical Talbot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well judged acidity, satisfying weight and density on the mid-palate that had been lacking in vintages past. A little more grip on the grainy-textured finish, lightly spiced with a hint of powdered chocolate, if you seek a classic Saint-Julien and, it must be said, often at a reasonable price, then look no further. Drink 2031-2050.
A difficult wine to read from barrel, the nose to this year's Talbot has an animal note, showing game, hay and blackcurrant aromas. The palate feels fresher, with chalky, stern tannins but ripe dark fruit. Good density, but raw structure make this a difficult wine to understand for now. I will be interested to see how it turns out in bottle.
Bright and harmonious, the 2025 Talbot wafts from the glass with aromas of mulberries, violet, cassis, dark cherries and spice, framed by well-integrated oak. Medium- to full-bodied, it’s concentrated and dense, built around a massive core of fruit framed by structured, youthful tannins and concludes with a somewhat firm, gently bitter finish. It's a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot and 9% Petit Verdot.
This is juicy and incisive, with expressive dark fruit and fine-grained, almost grainy tannins. A savory quality in the long finish. Persistent and cohesive.
This is good quality, this has lovely power, black fruits, edges of enjoyable campfire and grilled sandalwood, enjoyable clear quality. Yield 28 hl/ha. 60% new oak. 2034-2044.
The 2025 Talbot is a huge, potent wine. Blackberry, gravel, incense, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and dark spice soar out of the glass. Huge swaths of tannin frame it all effortlessly. Talbot is a beast in 2025. It needs time to settle down. 2033 - 2055
