France
The vast and diverse wine regions of France, each with its own unique terroirs, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques, are a treasure trove.
In Bordeaux, the birthplace of some of the world's most iconic wines, esteemed vineyards such as Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, and Château Haut-Brion produce exceptional red wines, showcasing the art of blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The region is also renowned for its exquisite white wines, with vineyards like Château d'Yquem and Domaine de Chevalier producing legendary sweet wines.
Moving to Burgundy, the vineyards of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, and Domaine Armand Rousseau capture the essence of the region's revered terroir, crafting exquisite red wines from the Pinot Noir grape. Meanwhile, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Coche-Dury are celebrated for their world-class white wines, predominantly made from Chardonnay.
The Champagne region, known for its sparkling wines, boasts illustrious houses such as Krug, Dom Pérignon, and Moët & Chandon, as well as grower-producers like Pierre Péters and Jacques Selosse. These vineyards create exceptional sparkling wines using the traditional method, offering a symphony of delicate bubbles, elegant flavors, and vibrant acidity.
In the Rhône Valley, iconic vineyards like Chapoutier, E. Guigal, and Château de Beaucastel produce remarkable red wines in the northern appellations of Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Cornas, showcasing the elegance and power of Syrah. Further south, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is celebrated for its rich and full-bodied red blends, with Château Rayas and Clos des Papes leading the way.
In Alsace, vineyards such as Domaine Zind-Humbrecht and omaine Trimbach craft exquisite white wines, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris, expressing the region's unique terroir and varietal character.
These are just a few highlights among the diverse array of wines that France offers. From the Loire Valley's crisp whites and elegant reds to the Languedoc-Roussillon's bold and robust wines, each region presents its own vinous treasures.
France
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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£678.24 -
(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£319.92 -
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£367.92 -
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£230.33 -
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£441.46 -
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£655.00 -
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£326.89 -
(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£282.20 -
(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 -
(12x75cl) 2016Vinous - Antonio Galloni (87-89)
The 2016 Caillou Blanc du Chateau Talbot is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Lemon confit, white flowers, chamomile and hints of tropical fruit intermingled with oak give the wine its exotic, racy personality.Inc. VAT£576.90 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Caillou Blanc has a lovely nose, the Sémillon component quite expressive, with scents of honeysuckle, linden and wild peach, all well defined. The wild peach theme continues on the balanced palate, joined by passion fruit and a touch of dried banana. Add a little spice on the finish and you have a fine white from Talbot.Inc. VAT£227.89 -
(6x75cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Caillou de Talbot Blanc, bottled a month prior to my visit, has a pretty lime and grapefruit scented nose. Hints of white tea emerge with time. The palate is well balanced with almond and caramelized pear notes, a touch of stem ginger emerging with time. Quite spicy, somehow, I can imagine this partnering Asian food with style thank to a scintilla of Muscat lingering on the aftertaste.Inc. VAT£270.29 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2021 Caillou Blanc Talbot was picked September 14–16 and matured in 30% new oak. It has an attractive nose of orange pith and light apricot scents. The palate is well balanced with a pleasing fatness, not amazingly complex, yet the 27% Sémillon lends a lovely honeyed texture on the finish. (13.5% alcohol)Inc. VAT£245.52 -
Inc. VAT£246.20 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Connetable de Talbot has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with a skip in its step, featuring red berry fruit, cinnamon and touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. This is a well-balanced Connetable with a bit more body than previous vintages, slightly savory in style and maybe missing a little length. But as a Deuxième Vin, it works well. 13.8% alcoholInc. VAT£520.01 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Connetable de Talbot has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with a skip in its step, featuring red berry fruit, cinnamon and touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. This is a well-balanced Connetable with a bit more body than previous vintages, slightly savory in style and maybe missing a little length. But as a Deuxième Vin, it works well. 13.8% alcoholInc. VAT£342.41 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Connétable Talbot is matured in 15% new oak. It has a fresh blackberry and briary scented nose with tobacco scents emerging with time. The palate is fresh and energetic, quite chiseled tannins, a little chalky in texture with a graphite-tinged finish. This punches above my expectations and is well worth seeking out.Inc. VAT£515.04 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (87-89)
The 2021 Connetable Talbot is a very pretty second wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, mint, spice and leather give the Connetable its strong, savory personality. There is a bit of reduction, but good depth as well as potential.Inc. VAT£173.29 -
Inc. VAT£182.00 -
Vinous - Josh Raynolds (91-93)
Ruby-red. Explosively perfumed bouquet of spicy red berries and cherry, with suave minerality. Vibrant red fruit flavors are finely etched and gain sweetness with air, finishing with great sappy persistence. This boasts impressive balance.Inc. VAT£962.47 -
Vinous (93-94)
Deep bright-rimmed violet. Deep-pitched red berry preserve, candied licorice and exotic spice aromas are lifted by a smoky mineral note that gains strength as the wine opens up. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and fruitcake flavors and a touch of spicy white pepper. In a distinctly ample style but not at all lacking for energy. The impressively long, gently tannic finish shows no rough edges and leaves a sappy cherry liqueur note behind.Inc. VAT£581.21 -
(12x75cl) 2011Vinous (91-93)
Inky purple. Highly aromatic, displaying scents of candied dark berries, olive tapenade and violets, with a vanilla accent in the background. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a lashing of cracked pepper. Dusty tannins come on late and fold themselves into the wine's juicy fruit on the finish.Inc. VAT£578.98 -
(6x75cl) 1999Vinous (93+)
Medium ruby. Great nose combines gunflint, bacon fat, roasted tomato, violet, mocha, brown spices and pepper. Extremely firm today and a bit dominated by its tannic structure and brisk acids, but this primary, palate-staining wine offers great sappy verve and peppery persistence. Hasn't yet opened on the back end, but should be spectacular with seven or eight years of bottle aging. The alcohol is a full 13%, but there's no sign of overripeness.Inc. VAT£682.40
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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£528.00 -
(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.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£248.00 -
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£288.00 -
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£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£180.00 -
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£344.00 -
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£510.00 -
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£254.50 -
(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.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£214.50 -
(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.In Bond£312.00 -
(12x75cl) 2016Vinous - Antonio Galloni (87-89)
The 2016 Caillou Blanc du Chateau Talbot is a very pretty wine to drink now and over the next few years. Lemon confit, white flowers, chamomile and hints of tropical fruit intermingled with oak give the wine its exotic, racy personality.In Bond£442.27 -
(6x75cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Caillou Blanc has a lovely nose, the Sémillon component quite expressive, with scents of honeysuckle, linden and wild peach, all well defined. The wild peach theme continues on the balanced palate, joined by passion fruit and a touch of dried banana. Add a little spice on the finish and you have a fine white from Talbot.In Bond£172.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Caillou de Talbot Blanc, bottled a month prior to my visit, has a pretty lime and grapefruit scented nose. Hints of white tea emerge with time. The palate is well balanced with almond and caramelized pear notes, a touch of stem ginger emerging with time. Quite spicy, somehow, I can imagine this partnering Asian food with style thank to a scintilla of Muscat lingering on the aftertaste.In Bond£206.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2021 Caillou Blanc Talbot was picked September 14–16 and matured in 30% new oak. It has an attractive nose of orange pith and light apricot scents. The palate is well balanced with a pleasing fatness, not amazingly complex, yet the 27% Sémillon lends a lovely honeyed texture on the finish. (13.5% alcohol)In Bond£186.00 -
In Bond£184.50 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Connetable de Talbot has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with a skip in its step, featuring red berry fruit, cinnamon and touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. This is a well-balanced Connetable with a bit more body than previous vintages, slightly savory in style and maybe missing a little length. But as a Deuxième Vin, it works well. 13.8% alcoholIn Bond£392.00 -
(6x150cl) 2019Vinous - Neal Martin (89)
The 2019 Connetable de Talbot has a perfumed, well-defined bouquet with a skip in its step, featuring red berry fruit, cinnamon and touches of brown spice. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins. This is a well-balanced Connetable with a bit more body than previous vintages, slightly savory in style and maybe missing a little length. But as a Deuxième Vin, it works well. 13.8% alcoholIn Bond£244.00 -
Vinous - Neal Martin (90)
The 2020 Connétable Talbot is matured in 15% new oak. It has a fresh blackberry and briary scented nose with tobacco scents emerging with time. The palate is fresh and energetic, quite chiseled tannins, a little chalky in texture with a graphite-tinged finish. This punches above my expectations and is well worth seeking out.In Bond£392.00 -
Vinous - Antonio Galloni (87-89)
The 2021 Connetable Talbot is a very pretty second wine. Dried herbs, tobacco, mint, spice and leather give the Connetable its strong, savory personality. There is a bit of reduction, but good depth as well as potential.In Bond£126.50 -
In Bond£131.00 -
Vinous - Josh Raynolds (91-93)
Ruby-red. Explosively perfumed bouquet of spicy red berries and cherry, with suave minerality. Vibrant red fruit flavors are finely etched and gain sweetness with air, finishing with great sappy persistence. This boasts impressive balance.In Bond£770.00 -
Vinous (93-94)
Deep bright-rimmed violet. Deep-pitched red berry preserve, candied licorice and exotic spice aromas are lifted by a smoky mineral note that gains strength as the wine opens up. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and fruitcake flavors and a touch of spicy white pepper. In a distinctly ample style but not at all lacking for energy. The impressively long, gently tannic finish shows no rough edges and leaves a sappy cherry liqueur note behind.In Bond£443.00 -
(12x75cl) 2011Vinous (91-93)
Inky purple. Highly aromatic, displaying scents of candied dark berries, olive tapenade and violets, with a vanilla accent in the background. Fleshy and expansive in the mouth, offering sweet blackberry and cherry-cola flavors and a lashing of cracked pepper. Dusty tannins come on late and fold themselves into the wine's juicy fruit on the finish.In Bond£444.00 -
(6x75cl) 1999Vinous (93+)
Medium ruby. Great nose combines gunflint, bacon fat, roasted tomato, violet, mocha, brown spices and pepper. Extremely firm today and a bit dominated by its tannic structure and brisk acids, but this primary, palate-staining wine offers great sappy verve and peppery persistence. Hasn't yet opened on the back end, but should be spectacular with seven or eight years of bottle aging. The alcohol is a full 13%, but there's no sign of overripeness.In Bond£548.00

