1996 CHÂTEAU TALBOT 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien, Lea & Sandeman

CHÂTEAU TALBOT

1996 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien

Grapes Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, Merlot
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
Sub-district Haut Médoc
Village Saint Julien
Classification 4ème Cru Classé

Some evolution of colour, from purple to a sensational deep ruby. It exudes a sense of poise, with each note, spicy oak, smooth rich fruit, mouth filling and very present tannins, giving it a completeness and drive which is not only highly impressive, but very attractive. I will want to drink some of this - in about ten years. L&S (Mar 2005)


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The 1996 Talbot comes from an era when I think this Saint-Julien lost its way a little. It was picked from 16 September until 12 October with intermittent breaks to avoid showers. It has a relatively light bouquet with tertiary black fruit, cedar and incense, gaining a little vigour with aeration although it never fully lets go. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit on the entry, balanced but light in style with a touch of soy and black pepper towards the finish. It is certainly classic in style but it just needs more backbone and stuffing. Tasted at the centenary Château Talbot vertical at the property. Drinking range: 2019 - 2039 Rating: 90 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Oct 2019)

Mid crimson with a ruby rim. Marked evolution on the nose in low intensity. Mellow start and great lift and sweetness. A slight hint of rusty nails but overall a very nice glass of wine. Drinking range: 2007 - 2020 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Feb 2011)

The wine is close to being outstanding, exhibiting a saturated dark ruby color, and excellent aromatics, consisting of black fruits intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and roasted meat smells. It is full, with impressive extract, a fleshy texture, low acidity, excellent purity, and a long, deep, chewy finish. This 1996 will be drinkable at a young age, yet keep for 15-20 years. 2003-2017. Rating: 89 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Mar 2005)

Château Talbot

St Julien Quatrième cru 1855

John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury was sent by King Henry VI to re-impose some English rule on this troublesome part of his Kingdom, but ended up being killed at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. Quite what connection he had with this particular bit of St Julien is unknown but, at least as far back as the 17th Century, the large estate in the centre of the appellation has been known as Château Talbot and it has generally been held that it was named for said John Talbot.

Désiré Cordier bought Talbot in 1917 and it is still in the hands of the Cordier family.

Sitting right in the middle of St Julien, surrounded by the great names of the appellation, and at 107ha of vineyard, Château Talbot is hard to miss. The vineyards are planted to 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot. Fermentation takes place in a combination of traditional wooden vats and modern stainless steel, with the Grand Vin spending 14 months in oak (50%-60% new).

There is a second wine named in honour of John Talbot, who's local title was Connétable Talbot.

With such big production and with an easy name to read and remember in the English-speaking market, Château Talbot has a healthy following and reliable reputation. It is a reputation that Talbot, by and large, lives up to with well-flavoured structured wines.

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