Chateau Talbot, in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Medoc, is a fourth growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Its name originates from Connetable Talbot, a famous English soldier and governor of Guyenne, who was defeated at the battle of Castillon in 1453.

The 107 hectare vineyard is situated on the bank of the Gironde estuary on hilltops of alluvial gravel over a core of fossil-rich limestone. All but five hectares is planted to red wine grapes. The reds of Talbot are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (66%) which provides tannic structure and power. With 26% Merlot, the wines become rounder and more suave, while the Petit Verdot provides a delicate touch, like spices in fine cuisine.

The grand vin represents 50 to 60% of the estate’s production. The estate also produces a second wine, le Connetable Talbot, plus Seigneur de Talbot, designated primarily for the Chinese wine market, and one of the oldest white wines in the Medoc, Caillou Blanc.

The grand vin of Talbot is harvested by hand, with vinification in a combination of cone-shaped wooden vats and stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for 14 months in 50 to 60 percent new barrels originating from eight different coopers. Renowned enologists Jacques Boissenot, Julien Lavenu and Stéphane Derenoncourt consult on the winemaking and blending.

The 2005 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a remarkable red wine hailing from the prestigious St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. This vintage is a superb reflection of Talbot's expertise, showcasing the essence of the region and the exceptional climatic conditions of 2005. The wine is characterized by an alluring dark hue, almost impenetrable and accentuated with a tiny violet rim. Its viscosity in the glass hints at the profound complexity and richness it holds.

This Bordeaux blend offers a multi-faceted aromatic profile. Mike Supple from JJ Buckley highlights the interplay of brown sugar toast and cinnamon on the nose, concluding with a lingering yeasty aroma. This is complemented by a palate of fresh strawberry notes layered over hints of fragrant green herbs. On the other hand, James Suckling lauds the complex aromas of chocolate, currants, berries, and sweet tobacco, and the seamless integration of tannins that endow the wine with a silky texture.

Jamie Goode from Wineanorak underscores the ripe, aromatic dark fruits that command the nose, while the palate is dense, sweet, and beautifully structured. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both highlight the sweet tobacco, berry, and currant aromas, with the latter emphasizing the big fruit, hearty tannins, and a touch of smoke. The wine is rounded off with a fresh, racy aftertaste of currant and mineral, and a beautiful texture of the tannins.

Decanter pays tribute to the wine's vibrant primary colors and the gourmet palate that's expertly handled. The wine exhibits an effortless balance, making it a joy to drink while promising further potential for aging. With an alcohol content of 13.0% and a cork closure, the 2005 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a classic French wine that celebrates the nuances of a great vintage, the finesse of the varietal, and the mastery of the producer.