2004 Château Talbot
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Tasting notes
We had a magnum of this on Christmas Day 2022 and I tasted it again at a vertical at the château this week. I wanted to share it because it is at a beautiful moment to drink, and would make a wonderful addition to holiday drinking this season also. It's old school, graceful St Julien, unrolling in waves of tobacco leaf and cigar box, with brambled blackberry fruits, touches of clove and mint leaf, thoroughly charming, with melted tannnins. 50% new oak, from a vintage where getting to full ripeness wasn't easy, but this is just a lovely wine. Christian Hostein cellar master.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Talbot represents the style of wines predating the arrival of winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte. A little austere on the nose, there are plenty of sous-bois and tobacco scents, but it needs more fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a rounded entry, but overall, compared to its peers, it feels a little monotone and lacks complexity on the finish.
Looks a bit pale ruby. Very simple and basic. Tart finish. (JR)
About the producer
Quality has not necessarily always lived up to this property’s Fourth Growth status, however there have been significant improvements in recent years, with a sustainable focus in the vineyard, and new winery and cellar.