2014 Château Talbot St. Julien

Undeniably, Talbot is one of the most famous Médoc wines and certainly one of the best values in Saint-Julien. The Cordier family (an important Bordeaux negociant) has owned Talbot for more than a century. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot from 50 year old vines. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak. Talbot can be wound up in its youth, but it’s eminently drinkable. At 6-12 years, Talbot hits its stride and it’s just yummy right now. An instant classic from a classic vintage, the wine has broad shoulders, but there are feminine qualities of floral aromas, bright black cherry fruit, and seamless integration. This wine is a joy to drink. Get it before it’s gone. Talbot is a champion of longevity; even young Talbot is pleasant and rounded, always characterized by silky, mild, and very civilized tannins.

94 points, Vinous Media. "The 2014 Talbot is soft, silky, and wonderfully nuanced on the palate. Much more refined from bottle than it was from barrel, 2014 has moved toward greater finesse over the last two years. This is a lovely effort. Lifted rose petals and lavender notes add closing nuance. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. Tasted two times."

94 points, Wine Enthusiast. "This wine is structured with plenty of supple tannins as well as fruit notes that are both ripe and freshly juicy. The texture highlights the dusty tannins at their best."

94 points, James Suckling. "The smoky oak, full body, and chunky tannins make a bold statement; indeed, the wine has plenty of flesh and packs a big tannic punch on the finish. Best Talbot in years. Drink in 2023."