Château Talbot 2016 - Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Full-bodied on the palate, with a richness of texture worthy of its greatest vintages; long, generous notes of licorice that reveal grapes picked at perfect ripeness; beautiful oak; a classic wine that could serve as a model for defining the most original and purest expression of its appellation.

About the estate:

This estate, among the most deservedly popular in the Médoc, still belongs to the Cordier family. It produces a substantial output, which has gained in definition and vigor since 2014. For many, Talbot embodies the ideal of Saint-Julien: generously aromatic, remarkably stable, and reliable with age. A lovely dry white wine, aromatic and vibrant, continues to be produced under the Caillou-Blanc label. The intelligent work carried out with the help of Stéphane Derenoncourt in a skillfully modernized winery and cellar is bearing fruit.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

This strong brand, rightly appreciated by wine lovers, has made a strong comeback, now producing the wines we expect from it. Equipped with high-performance, modern facilities and skillfully managed, the vast Nancy Bignon-Cordier estate, led by Jean-Michel Laporte, is rediscovering its past glory, producing wines more subtle and refined than ever. A vibrant wine, the archetype of a great classic Saint-Julien.

Wine Enthusiast

James Suckling

About the wine:

Ripe redcurrants and plums with violet and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied, with firm, polished tannins—ripe yet firm. Pure fruit here. A lovely mid-palate. A chewy finish. Give it at least five or six years to develop. Best after 2026.

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The ruby color gives way on the nose to herbaceous and minty notes. On the palate, the attack is very smooth—a welcome introduction to Saint-Julien—gentle, balanced, and delightful. The salty finish is enticing. Talbot stays true to the classics.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Right from the start, the bouquet of the 2019 Talbot reveals various elements, including its barrel aging. It’s unmistakable—and quite pleasant, at that—with hints of smoke, mocha, and fresh-baked bread! The freshness of the Cabernet Sauvignon complements the aromatic complexity with notes of eucalyptus and blackcurrant, followed by a touch of graphite. On the palate, the wine fully embraces the focus on Cabernet Sauvignon; there is freshness, tension, and powerful tannins. Talbot’s identity is evident and highlights its ability to reveal itself across different vintages. A precise, compact wine with powerful, well-integrated tannins that provide a solid foundation for the entire palate. More than ever, Talbot has a distinct identity, which is beautifully underscored in its finish. Such intensity and persistence. 2026–2049

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

About the wine:

With a very floral and delicate bouquet, the 2019 Talbot is a captivating, fresh, and delicate wine. Notes of blackcurrant, flowers, peony, rose, and blackberry. The tannins are superbly velvety, with a very pleasant hint of blackcurrant bud on the mid-palate, leading to a finish marked by tension and an airy freshness. A Talbot that will go down in history.