Chateau Talbot

Appellation Saint Julien Controlée

Location: Chateau Talbot is located north of Gruaud-Larose and behind the tiny town of Saint Julien-Beychevelle. 210 acres (102 hectares) producing 38,000 cases.

Classification: Chateau Talbot is classified as a 4th Growth (Grand Cru Classe) in the Classification of 1855.

Grape varieties: The vineyard at Chateau Talbot is planted with 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot.

The average age of the vines at Chateau Talbot is 28 years.  All harvesting is done by hand and kept separate by vineyard lot.  The soil in Chateau Talbots vineyards is mostly gravel.

2nd Wine: Connétable de Talbot

Vinification and aging: Fermented in stainless steel vats and aged for 18-24 months in oak barrels which are replaced 1/2 every year. (Barrels for Connetable are replaced 20% new each year.)  Maceration of the grapes takes place over 3 weeks.

History: A sibling chateau of Gruaud-Larose, this very beautiful Domaine is one of the oldest in the Medoc. Once owned by Sir John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who was the Governor of Aquitaine until he lost the battle in 1453. Bought in 1918 by Georges Cordier and is now the home of the Cordier family.

Among the wines classified in 1855, it is one of those which has always kept its good reputation. One of the biggest and most productive Bordeaux vineyards.

Evaluation: Should be upgraded to a Medoc Third Growth.

Style: A rich, fruity, smooth wine of breed and character that is very consistent and shows well even in lesser vintages.

Food: Chateau Talbot is excellent with lamb, duck, pork and meat dishes.

'94 (7-14-00) Subdued nose/nothing wrong here but not strong in any aspect.  Not a long term keeper.

'89 (7-14-00) Very nice nose/really good fruit and nice balance/very good finish and ready to go. A classic good wine and ready to drink now.