Country: France Region: Bordeaux (St. Julien) Varietal: 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot Vintage: 2019 Colour: Red  Producer: Chateau Talbot Description: A 4th Classified Growth of Saint-Julien, Chateau Talbot is one of the iconic references of Haut-Médoc. Acquired by Désiré Cordier in 1918, Château Talbot is today managed by Nancy Bignon-Cordier and her husband, Jean-Paul Bignon. The Château Talbot vineyard is a real treasure, covering 110 hectares of vines all in one piece, in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation. These vines, aged 45 years on average, have an ideal location on the edge of the Gironde estuary, planted on ridges of Médoc gravel and alluvial deposits. Tasting Note: This wine overdelivers with a winning combination of crème de cassis, blackberry, raspberry, cigar box, smoke, leather, black cherry, graphite and floral, almost Margaux-esque, notes. Classic Claret to be served with Sunday roasts, comfort food and slow-cooked stews. Critical Acclaim 94-96 points Wine Enthusiast  A rich, spicy and smoky wine, this has generous tannins to balance the blackberry fruit flavours. The structure is already impressive, showing ripeness as well as density, which is promising for plenty of aging. (RV)  (6/2020) 95 points James Suckling  Ripe redcurrants and plums with violet and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that are ripe yet firm. Pure fruit here. Pretty centre-palate. Chewy finish. Give this at least five or six years to come around. Best after 2026.  (2/2022) 93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck  The 2019 Château Talbot is another beautiful vintage for this château, offering pure Cabernet notes of cassis, tobacco leaf, graphite, and lead pencil. With medium to full body, a pure, balanced, focused texture, and building tannins, it's well worth a case purchase and is a classic, elegant yet concentrated Talbot to enjoy over the coming 20 years or more.  (6/2020) 94 points Vinous  The 2019 Talbot was one of the best recent vintages that I had tasted when a sample was sent to me last year, in no small part thanks to the appointment of Jean-Michel Laporte. The 2019 has a large proportion (69%) of Cabernet Sauvignon, higher than previous vintages. Bottled in May 2021, it retains that delineated, focused bouquet of blackberry scents and touches of pencil lead, hints of raspberry and cedar. Just classic Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a superb line of acidity. Much more cohesive with more substance than prior vintages. There is a touch of spiciness toward the lingering finish, which reveals tobacco and gravel-like notes. Talbot made a great wine in 2019 and it will age with style. (NM)  (2/2022) 93 points Decanter  St Julien's largest property at 110ha (up there with Lagrange if you're keeping track), this has lovely plump black fruits on the nose. Takes hold right from the start, with clear tannic build and a silky character to the tannins. This continues the run of good vintages that Talbot has been producing since 2016. Well balanced, with plenty of St Julien character. Tasted twice two weeks apart. Highest ever level of Cabernet Sauvignon at the estate. Harvest 19 September to 8 October. 60% new oak. (JA)  (6/2020) Food Matches: Beef, Venison, Poultry