We informed our Bordeaux buyers of this arrival in July, when most of you were on the road, vacationing, etc. Accordingly, we could tell that this missive missed most of you. So, its September, everyone is back in the office, and here's our last 15 or so cases of the Wine Spectator #4 Wine of the Year from 2022, the stunning Chateau Talbot St. Julien 2019.
Located in the appellation of Saint Julien, Chateau Talbot’s contiguous vineyard surrounds the estate house and stretches north, all the way to the border with the Pauillac appellation. Planted on a terroir of fine Gunzian gravels with a core of fossil-rich limestone, which form draining hilltops, the majority of vines planted are to red varietals with 66% being Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot as well as a small acreage devoted to white varietals.
The harvest is all performed by hand, with no fewer than 120 vineyard workers. This step, crucial in the making of a great wine, is subject to numerous selective sortings. Initial grape selection is performed by hand on the vine, the second when the grapes arrive at the vat house transported in crates. The grapes are then de-stemmed and only the most impeccable berries are then selected by optical sorting. This detailed work of craftsmanship and strict plot selection provides the wines with a great aromatic purity and immense precision.
Both wooden and stainless-steel vats are used to vinify, which complement each other, and are chosen depending on the plots of the patiently ripened grapes. After fermentation, the wine is aged in Château Talbot’s new cellar, with no fewer than 1,800 barrels lined up in this cool, dimly lit cellar, where the wine matures for 18 months. The choice of cooper, the length of aging in wood and the pace of racking varies depending on the style and evolution of the various plots. Regular tasting of the wines determines these choices.
The impeccable management of the vineyard is one of the most irreproachable in the Medoc. The wines, supervised by Nancy Bignon-Cordier, with the valuable advice of enologist Eric Boissenot (consultant for all the First Growths and more) and consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, are consistently rich while remaining extremely elegant.
For the 2019, Wine Spectator writes: Well-built and rather refined for the vintage, with a deep well of red and black currant paste and plum reduction flavors supported by a deeply inlaid iron note, all of which run the length of the wine. Offers subtle savory, tobacco and singed cedar notes that add range, with a savory echo that leaves a mouthwatering feel in the end. Built to cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. 95-Points #4 Wine of the Year.
James Suckling writes: Ripe redcurrants and plums with violet and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that are ripe yet firm. Pure fruit here. Pretty center-palate. Chewy finish. Give this at least five or six years to come around. Best after 2026 95-Points
Neal Martin from Vinous writes: The 2019 Talbot was one of the best recent vintages that I had tasted when a sample was sent to me last year, in no small part thanks to the appointment of Jean-Michel Laporte. The 2019 has a large proportion (69%) of Cabernet Sauvignon, higher than previous vintages. Bottled in May 2021, it retains that delineated, focused bouquet of blackberry scents and touches of pencil lead, hints of raspberry and cedar. Just classic Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a superb line of acidity. Much more cohesive with more substance than prior vintages. There is a touch of spiciness toward the lingering finish, which reveals tobacco and gravel-like notes. Talbot made a great wine in 2019 and it will age with style. 94-Points
The wines being produced at Talbot today are top-notch, reminding us of the glory days of the 1982 and 1986 wines, while now rivaling their equally-illustrious neighbors. Only 180 bottles on this final go-round, so don’t miss them!
Talbot Saint Julien 2019
95 Points & Wine Spectator #4 Wine of the Year! Well-built and rather refined for the vintage, with a deep well of red and black currant paste and plum reduction flavors supported by a deeply inlaid iron note, all of which run the length of the wine. Offers subtle savory, tobacco and singed cedar notes that add range, with a savory echo that leaves a mouthwatering feel in the end. Built to cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2025 through 2040. - Wine Spectator