CHATEAU TALBOT 4eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2017 Bottle

Description

Château Talbot, a prestigious Fourth Growth (Quatrième Grand Cru Classé) estate situated in the heart of the Saint-Julien appellation, consistently produces wines of classic Bordeaux elegance. The 2017 vintage is a testament to the château’s pedigree, offering a refined, fresh, and beautifully structured expression of its renowned terroir. Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc, this vintage is characterised by its charming approachability and quintessential Saint-Julien finesse.

In the glass, the wine presents a vibrant, deep ruby-red colour. The nose is highly aromatic and classically styled, opening with an alluring bouquet of crushed cassis, ripe blackberries, and dark plums. These fruit aromas are seamlessly intertwined with signature notes of cedarwood, graphite, and a touch of subtle tobacco leaf.

On the palate, the 2017 is medium to full-bodied, showcasing a supple, velvety texture and finely grained tannins. The dark fruit core is supported by a brilliant line of fresh acidity, leading to a long, harmonious finish layered with hints of liquorice and baking spices. While exceptionally graceful in its youth, it possesses excellent ageing potential. This distinguished claret is a superb companion to classic roasted lamb, beef Wellington, or mature hard cheeses.

DECANTER 94 points
Drinking Window: 2023 - 2045
Complex aromas of intense blackcurrant, dark cherries, plums and hints of chocolate, violet and leafy notes. Generous and appealing, showing tension and precision with slightly grippy tannins.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
Impressive depth of fruit and structure to this 2017 with currant, plum and light chocolate character, medium to full body and round, lightly chewy tannins. Flavorful and long. Dialed-in quality here. Drink after 2022.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91 points
Reviewed by: Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Drink Date: 2020 - 2033
The 2017 Talbot is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with aromas of cedar, black cherries, mulberries and warm blackcurrants with touches of earth, tree bark and herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, firm, grainy and muscular with an earthy finish.

VINOUS 91 points
Drinking window: 2022 - 2037
The 2017 Talbot is powerful and rustic, just as it was en primeur. Black cherry, plum, grilled herbs, leather, menthol and scorched earth add to the wine's brooding, potent feel. The 2017 remains a rather rustic Saint-Julien. It will be interesting to see if the tannins soften over time. For now, there is a good bit of character, if not exactly a ton of finesse.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 90 points
A balanced, structured wine, this has berry fruits, rich tannins and a dark core of dryness. Everything is in place for the wine to age well. Drink from 2024.