CHÂTEAU TALBOT

2004 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien

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

Here the maitre du chai remarked that 2004 was a better year for Merlot than 2003, and that it was September that saved the vintage. The resulting "grand vin" is 40% Merlot (as opposed to 26% in 2003), 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It has a similar volume to the 2003, but a much fresher character, very pure (not the sometimes medicinal Talbot twang). Ripe and clear cut, very long. Rating: 90 L&S (Apr 2005)


Alternatively, we may well have some bottles in one of our shops - why not give us a call on 0207 244 0522 or send an email to: sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.

Or, check the RELATED PRODUCTS below for different vintages or wines of a similar style.


Concentrated, spicy nose showing good depth of fruit and hints of mocha. Full-bodied, approaching maturiy but with plenty of acidity and drive. Drinking range: 2014 - 2020 Rating: 89 Decanter Magazine (Sept 2014)

A sumptuous, complex, Provencal-like bouquet of roasted herbs, cherries, licorice, and underbrush emerges from this dark plum/ruby-colored 2004. Tart acidity provides freshness, but the overall impression is of abundant currant and cherry fruit presented in a forward, superficial style. It is best consumed over the next 10-12 years. Rating: 88 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Jul 2008)

(a blend of 52% cabernet sauvignon, 42% merlot and 6% petit verdot) Ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, leather, game and dark chocolate. Pliant and smooth, with a rather fine-grained texture for a young wine from this chateau. Doesn't possess the definition or lift of the best 2004 St. Juliens, but has a solid core of chocolatey-ripe dark fruits and finishes with ripe, horizontal tannins. Margaux Rating: 87-90 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (May 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.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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