2004 CHÂTEAU TALBOT 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien, Lea & Sandeman

CHÂTEAU TALBOT

2004 4ème Cru Classé Saint Julien

Grapes Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot
Colour Red
Origin France, Bordeaux
District Left Bank
Sub-district Haut Médoc
Village Saint Julien
Classification 4ème Cru Classé
ABV 13%

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.

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The 2004 Talbot represents the style of wines predating the arrival of winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte. A little austere on the nose, there are plenty of sous-bois and tobacco scents, but it needs more fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded entry, but overall, compared to its peers, it feels a little monotone and lacks complexity on the finish. Drinking range: 2024 - 2032 Rating: 86 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Jun 2024)

This captures so much about St Julien, with its balance, tobacco leaf, smoked earth, melted tannins, blond tobacco, blackberries and mint. It's delicious, from a time when the yields would have been high, and in a year that struggled to reach full maturity, and yet has a balanced charm that shows why this appellation delivers drinkability even when it misses concentration. The smoke is far more evident when you come back to it after a few hours of tasting other wines, suggest not giving it too long in carafe before drinking. Christian Hostein cellar master, 50% new oak for ageing. Drinking range: 2024 - 2038 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (Apr 2024)

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)

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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