Top Vintages
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Top Vintages
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Melted tannins, juicy black fruits, finessed appellation signature, this opens to grilled blackberry and bilberries, brambed and pureed, with slate tannins and a wave of campfire smoke. Well balanced acidity also, this is charming, joyful and ready to drink but with plenty of life ahead. One to look out for.Inc. VAT£956.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2011 Talbot has a light and fragrant bouquet with red berry fruit, bell pepper and earthy notes, a touch of sage emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a satisfying succulent on the entry, quite fleshy for a Saint-Julien in this vintage, not complexity but judiciously spiced and lively on the finish. For me, this Talbot overperforms in context of the growing season. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.Inc. VAT£776.20 -
(12x75cl) 2012Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2012 is a supple, inviting wine. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and licorice appear first, followed by scents of graphite, smoke, violet and sage that add nuance. This expressive, open-knit Saint-Julien has a lot to offer. Above all else, the Talbot is incredibly sensual and inviting. It will be hard to resist young, but also has enough depth to drink well for two decades, perhaps longer.Inc. VAT£817.87 -
(6x75cl) 2014Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2014 Talbot is soft, silky and wonderfully nuanced on the palate. Much more refined from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2014 has moved toward greater finesse over the last two years. This is a lovely effort. Lifted rose petal and lavender notes add closing nuance. The blend is 62 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 % Merlot and 6 % Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.Inc. VAT£256.32 -
(12x75cl) 2015Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.Inc. VAT£985.44 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.Inc. VAT£669.96 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.Inc. VAT£997.44 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.Inc. VAT£802.44 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.Inc. VAT£607.56 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.Inc. VAT£458.52 -
James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.Inc. VAT£609.84 -
James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.Inc. VAT£271.08 -
(6x150cl) 2017James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.Inc. VAT£926.70 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.Inc. VAT£736.75 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.Inc. VAT£296.18 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.Inc. VAT£609.77 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.Inc. VAT£378.58 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.Inc. VAT£749.64 -
(1x1500cl) 2019Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.Inc. VAT£1,156.81 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.Inc. VAT£275.52 -
Decanter (95)
This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director and he is doing great work.Inc. VAT£376.92 -
Decanter (95)
This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director and he is doing great work.Inc. VAT£309.12 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageInc. VAT£376.09 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageInc. VAT£233.93 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageInc. VAT£446.26 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageInc. VAT£661.00 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageInc. VAT£315.49 -
(12x75cl) 2023James Suckling (94-95)
A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.Inc. VAT£659.21 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.Inc. VAT£279.20 -
(6x150cl) 2014Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2014 Caillou Blanc de Château Talbot is a tasty white to drink over the next few years. From barrel, the Caillou Blanc was more powerful, while today it comes across as lighter and gracious in style, with soft contours and terrific balance. Orchard fruit, white flowers and mint give the wine its brightness.Inc. VAT£420.58
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Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Melted tannins, juicy black fruits, finessed appellation signature, this opens to grilled blackberry and bilberries, brambed and pureed, with slate tannins and a wave of campfire smoke. Well balanced acidity also, this is charming, joyful and ready to drink but with plenty of life ahead. One to look out for.In Bond£776.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (92)
The 2011 Talbot has a light and fragrant bouquet with red berry fruit, bell pepper and earthy notes, a touch of sage emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a satisfying succulent on the entry, quite fleshy for a Saint-Julien in this vintage, not complexity but judiciously spiced and lively on the finish. For me, this Talbot overperforms in context of the growing season. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.In Bond£611.00 -
(12x75cl) 2012
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (92)
The 2012 is a supple, inviting wine. Dark red cherry, plum, smoke and licorice appear first, followed by scents of graphite, smoke, violet and sage that add nuance. This expressive, open-knit Saint-Julien has a lot to offer. Above all else, the Talbot is incredibly sensual and inviting. It will be hard to resist young, but also has enough depth to drink well for two decades, perhaps longer.In Bond£647.00 -
(6x75cl) 2014
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (94)
The 2014 Talbot is soft, silky and wonderfully nuanced on the palate. Much more refined from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2014 has moved toward greater finesse over the last two years. This is a lovely effort. Lifted rose petal and lavender notes add closing nuance. The blend is 62 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 % Merlot and 6 % Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.In Bond£195.00 -
(12x75cl) 2015
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.In Bond£784.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.In Bond£533.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (93)
The 2015 Talbot has an exuberant nose with black cherry, bilberry, wild mint and brown spice aromas. This has fine delineation and well-integrated oak. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red fruit mixed with game and black pepper. It has good density on the finish that shows just a tiny bit of alcohol. Give this two or three years. Tasted blind at the 2015 Bordeaux Ten-Year-On tasting.In Bond£794.00 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.In Bond£631.50 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.In Bond£481.50 -
Wine Spectator (95)
Rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry reduction flavors. The long finish rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld. Best from 2025 through 2040. 29,833 cases made.In Bond£363.50 -
James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.In Bond£471.00 -
James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.In Bond£213.50 -
(6x150cl) 2017
James Suckling (92-93)
This is solid and structured with blackberry and currant character. Full-bodied, muscular and dialed-in.In Bond£735.05 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.In Bond£574.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.In Bond£233.50 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.In Bond£481.50 -
James Suckling (94-95)
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.In Bond£295.50 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.In Bond£587.50 -
(1x1500cl) 2019
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.In Bond£902.00 -
Jane Anson Inside Bordeaux (95)
Such precision and elegance, showcasing savorury blue fruits and a ton of Cabernet signature, Just a hugely classic and brilliant Talbot, and one where it is stretching its muscles, standing up to take its place among the great St Juliens. This is the best for me in the line up, with clear ageing potential, liqourice and rich blueberry and blackberry fruits with waves of cinnamon, cocoa bean, cloves edging, and smoked coffee beans. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.In Bond£211.00 -
Decanter (95)
This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director and he is doing great work.In Bond£295.50 -
Decanter (95)
This is a great Talbot, a real success for the château. Subtle and deft touches throughout, from the smoked turmeric notes that lace the black fruits to the finessed aromatics that accompany the body of the wine. Balance and freshness, and a saline edge to the finish that is extremely moreish. Three years with Jean-Michel Laporte as director and he is doing great work.In Bond£239.00 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageIn Bond£295.50 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageIn Bond£183.00 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageIn Bond£348.00 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageIn Bond£515.00 -
The Drinks Business (92-94)
Talbot (St Julien; 71% Cabernet Sauvignon; 24% Merlot; 5% Petit Verdot; 12% alcohol; a final yield of 44 hl/ha; tasted at the UGCB press tasting and at Lagrange with very similar notes). This, too, is very impressive and continues a steep upward trajectory since around 2018. On the nose, one is struck first by the ripeness and the associated natural sweetness of the fruit; I find walnuts and a dark stone and berry fruit – mulberries and sloes and damsons – and then, with air, all the cedar that defines this as Talbot. On the palate, this cool summer edition of Talbot comes across as quite serious even slightly austere, with a lovely tight, compact, dense core that stays closely strapped to the notable spine. In the context of the vintage, this is a great wine and clearly the product of a very strict selection. It has a beautiful texture, structure and mouthfeel. I particularly like the sinuous and luminous mid-palate. Tasted blind, I might well have mistaken this for Gruaud Larose (something that would not have been possible even a few vintages ago). Tasted a second time, I find it closest in style to Gruaud Larose; both properties continue their parallel upward trajectories in this vintageIn Bond£245.00 -
(12x75cl) 2023
James Suckling (94-95)
A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.In Bond£508.00 -
James Suckling (94-95)
A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.In Bond£212.00 -
(6x150cl) 2014
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (91)
The 2014 Caillou Blanc de Château Talbot is a tasty white to drink over the next few years. From barrel, the Caillou Blanc was more powerful, while today it comes across as lighter and gracious in style, with soft contours and terrific balance. Orchard fruit, white flowers and mint give the wine its brightness.In Bond£312.00
Bordeaux's relatively diverse weather, particularly its rainfall, means that vintage variation can be quite broad between some years. However advances in wine making techniques, technology and investment has meant that many chateaux are still able to create very good wines in "lesser vintages". From the best vintages wines are made that are clambered for all over the world and mature excellently for many years.
This is a selection of some of our favourite vintages from Bordeaux over the last few decades, as well some more recent ones.
