Château Talbot 2023

Château Talbot is a Saint-Julien red from the left bank of Bordeaux, blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot from vines averaging around 50 years old. The 102 hectare vineyard grows on deep Médoc gravel, free-draining soils that warm quickly and force the roots deep, ripening Cabernet fully while the maritime climate of the Gironde keeps the wine fresh and structured. The harvest is done by hand from late September into October, and the must is fermented in wooden vats. Cabernet Sauvignon leads with blackcurrant, tannin and cedar, Merlot fills the middle with plush plum, and Petit Verdot adds colour, spice and grip. The wine is aged for fifteen to eighteen months in French oak, around half of it new, which firms the tannin and layers cedar, toast and fine spice while the fruit stays clear. Malolactic fermentation rounds the acidity. It is deep ruby, showing aromas of blackberry, cassis and ripe plum over cedar, graphite and sweet spice. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm, fine-grained tannin, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish that will reward cellaring. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanting an hour or two ahead. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.