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 2018 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a stunning red wine from the renowned St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. This wine, with its rich and concentrated flavors, embodies the expertise and tradition of the Cordier family, who have owned the estate for 100 years.

In the glass, the wine exhibits a deep garnet-purple color, hinting at its intensity and complexity. The nose is filled with enticing aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and bilberry, accompanied by subtle notes of tobacco, cedar, and violets. On the palate, this wine truly shines, offering a luscious texture and a remarkable purity of fruit. The flavors of ripe black fruits are complemented by hints of dark chocolate, tobacco leaf, and damp earth, creating a multi-layered and harmonious experience.

The 2018 Talbot impresses with its fine balance of power and elegance. It is medium to full-bodied, with polished tannins and a lively spine of acidity that adds freshness and structure to the wine. The finish is long and satisfying, leaving a lasting impression of ripe and bright fruit.

This wine has received high praise from top critics. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a score of 94 points, describing it as a wine with concentration, intense black fruits, and a firm base of tannins. Jeb Dunnuck also gave it 93+ points, highlighting its beautiful cassis and currant fruit, as well as its finesse and purity. James Suckling, on the other hand, was especially impressed, awarding it a score of 96 points and praising its rich aromas, firm tannins, and long finish.

The 2018 Talbot is a wine that can be enjoyed now, but it also has great aging potential. It is recommended to cellar it for a few more years to allow it to develop even more nuances and for the oak to better integrate. However, if you can't resist the temptation, decanting it for a couple of hours will help to unlock its full potential.

Overall, the 2018 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a true gem from the St Julien appellation. It showcases the best characteristics of the region, with its concentration, purity of fruit, and impeccable balance. Whether you choose to savor it now or cellar it for the future, this wine is sure to provide an exceptional drinking experience.