October 24, 2024
Talbot 2020 - A Saint-Julien of power and stature
“A Saint-Julien of power and stature, Talbot is fabulous in 2020” -Vinous, Antonio Galloni
Chateau Talbot, one of the most renowned estates in Saint-Julien, boasts a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Named after the English commander John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who was defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, the estate has long been a significant player in Bordeaux's winemaking scene. It was later acquired by the Cordier family in 1918, who elevated its reputation with a meticulous approach to winemaking, securing its place as a Fourth Growth in the 1855 classification.
Talbot’s 110 hectares of vineyards are planted on the gravelly soils typical of Saint-Julien, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the finesse and structure of its wines. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blend, with Merlot adding depth and richness. The estate embraces traditional winemaking techniques, with careful vineyard management and ageing in oak barrels, producing elegant wines that balance power and refinement, reflecting the unique terroir of this prestigious appellation.
Chateau Talbot has embraced modernisation in recent years, investing in vineyard management and winery technology while maintaining its traditional values. With Jean-Michel Laporte joining as the new technical director in 2018, the estate focuses on precision viticulture, aiming to enhance quality and express the full potential of its terroir with greater finesse.
The 2020 vintage of Talbot has received score upgrades, improving from en primeur tastings to when tasted in bottle. Wine critics are unanimous, awarding high 95s and 94s across the board, a testament to the wine's exceptional quality. It’s widely regarded as one of Talbot's standout vintages in recent years.
Talbot is currently undergoing a period of upgrades, with the 2020 hitting the sweet spot of being a great wine while prices remain modest for this humble Chateau. With increasing recognition and improvements, Talbot offers excellent value for collectors seeking top-tier Saint-Julien without the higher price tags of its peers.
Talbot 2020
95 Points | Vinous, Antonio Galloni
The 2020 Talbot is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel. Strong Cabernet Sauvignon inflections open first in the bouquet, leading into a rich palate laced with expressive dark cherry and plum fruit. A Saint-Julien of power and stature, Talbot is fabulous in 2020. I love the breadth and overall intensity here, but there is just as much focus to keep things in balance. The 2020 is superb, certainly the best in recent memory
95 Points | Decanter, Jane Anson
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.
95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck
Another gorgeous 2020, the 2020 Château Talbot has an almost Pauillac-like sense of graphite and lead pencil as well as ripe blackcurrant fruit, medium to full body, and abundant notes of smoked tobacco, leather, and dried herbs. It shows the more focused, almost austere, yet still ripe style of the vintage and has terrific mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. There's an almost old school Bordeaux-like vibe in this beauty, but it's not rustic in any way, the balance is spot on, and it has loads of character. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar. It's going to evolve nicely for two decades or more.