Chateau Talbot 2016

Chateau Talbot owes it's name to Connetable Talbot, who was an English military commander as well as the governor of Guyenne and the Earl of Shrewsbury. He was notably defeated and killed at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. From the time of the 1855 classification to 1919 the Chateau was owned by the Aux-Lally family. It was sold to Didier Cordier in 1919. The chateau is still controlled by members of the Cordier family.
Occupying the highest elevation in Saint Julien abutting many 2nd growth estates, The Chateau has slightly over 250 acres of vines. It is planted with 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Production of Chateau Talbot is 25,000 cases. The wine is aged in 50-60% new oak barrels for 12-14 months.

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.

Wine Advocate: 92
The 2016 Talbot is medium garnet-purple colored and opens with pretty floral notes of roses and lavender with a core of cassis, blackberry preserves and kirsch plus wafts of cigar box and spearmint. Medium-bodied with a lovely intensity of black and red fruit flavors, it has a ripe, grainy texture and compelling freshness, finishing savory.

Decanter: 93
The anthocyanes are clearly on display in this inky purple wine. Touches of rusticity and earth sit alongside the rich cassis and bilberry fruit. It's a big, sculpted, gorgeously confident wine with a low pH and plenty of power. Matured in 50% new oak. Bottled in May 2018.

Wine Enthusiast: 93
The smooth texture of this wine is deceptive. Behind its ripe black fruits and acidity, the wine has a strong sense of structure to give shape and potential to the freshness and fruit. The wine will age, not perhaps for the really long term but certainly it is worth waiting until 2025.

James Suckling: 94
This is already a beautiful St.-Julien that’s ripe and elegant with not a jot too much oak or tannin, but a very fresh and lively finish that keeps on going. However, there are some serious reserves in this wine that need time to be released. Already very harmonious, but better from 2021."

Jeb Dunnuck: 93
Brought up in 50% new oak, the 2016 Château Talbot is a winner and certainly over-delivers. Powerful notes of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and leafy herbs all give way to a silky, seamless Saint-Julien that has remarkable purity of fruit and building, fine tannins. It’s the texture as well as the purity that set this apart, and readers looking for a great value should purchase a case of this beauty.

Jeb Dunnuck: 93

Brought up in 50% new oak, the 2016 Château Talbot is a winner and certainly over-delivers. Powerful notes of crème de cassis, tobacco leaf, lead pencil, and leafy herbs all give way to a silky, seamless Saint-Julien that has remarkable purity of fruit and building, fine tannins. It’s the texture as well as the purity that set this apart, and readers looking for a great value should purchase a case of this beauty.