One of our most popular releases annually and a firm UK favourite from Saint-Julien, Château Talbot is in our opinion one of the best value left bank clarets. This 2023 has surpassed all expectations and is offered on the UK market this morning 20.1% down on last year’s 2022. This is a classical style Claret which is absolutely gorgeous, it will last for many years to come and as Neal Martin says, may even be better than the 2022, we concur after tasting in Bordeaux.
“A medium- to full-bodied red with very fine tannins. It’s firm and structured, showing a bright, dark-fruited character. Focused, with a good center-palate and a lingering finish. Really polished.” 94-95 points, James Suckling
“More proof that Talbot is on a roll, revved up and ready to take off. This is a brilliantly juicy but understated Talbot, lovely quality, classically-minded with cassis, blueberry, mint leaf, cocoa bean, espresso and powerful grilled fennel. Great stuff. 60% new oak for ageing, and a generous 54hl/ha yield.” 94 points, Jane Anson
“The 2023 Talbot is another strong wine for this re-emerging estate. Powerful, deep and impressively resonant, the 2023 is striking. Dark-toned fruit, new leather, lavender and dried herbs build over time. There’s terrific depth and intensity here, with fine balance to match. This is a superb showing from Talbot and the team led by Estate Director Jean-Michel Laporte. Drink 2030-2053.” 93-95 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“Offering up aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint, the 2023 Talbot is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich but lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested over the course of fully four weeks, it’s a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot that attained 13% alcohol.” 92-94 points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate
“The 2023 Talbot contains the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon to date, at 77%. It was picked from September 13 to October 6 at 54hL/ha according to winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte. Matured in 60% new oak, this has a fragrant bouquet that, like one or two fellow Saint-Julien wines, discretely unfolds in the glass. Quite precise with blackberry, cedar and light pencil box scents, there is a Pauillac-like tincture here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled, grainy tannins. It’s overtly classic in style, albeit with more mid-weight depth compared to some vintages of Talbot. Displaying fine cohesion and sapidity, this fans out on the finish, with a deft touch of white pepper livening things up. This is a very promising Talbot, and I may actually prefer it to the previous vintage.” 91-93 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
