2018 Chateau Talbot
By Chateau Talbot
2018 Chateau Talbot from Chateau Talbot, St-Julien, Bordeaux
The 2018 vintage from the historic Chateau Talbot in the revered Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux marks a stellar achievement radiating the estate's time-honoured finesse. A mosaic of climatic challenges and triumphs, 2018 bestowed upon us a narrative of resilience and ultimate reward, reflecting the quintessence of this esteemed property.
A Vintage Carved by the Elements
Bordeaux's 2018 vintage was no stranger to drama - marked by an assault of rains in the spring followed by a glorious summer that stretched languidly into September. This fluctuating tale, however, ended in euphoric symmetry for Chateau Talbot. Harnessing these initial adversities, their meticulous cultivation practices paved the way for grapes of remarkable ripeness and balance.
Harmony in the Glass
In your glass, the 2018 Chateau Talbot is a testament to this epoch. A display of dark fruits – plums and ripe blackberries - entwines elegantly with tobacco notes and a discreet whisper of cedar. The tannic structure is commanding yet polished, laying down a velvet gauntlet, promising an evolution graced with complexity through careful cellaring. Terroir speaks with clarity here; amidst the ripe fruit are cool threads of minerality and earthiness which are true ambassadors of St-Julien’s distinctive soils.
When contemplating sound wine investment opportunities, one might consider how this vintage encapsulates both the resilience and potential of Bordeaux’s classics. The 2018 Chateau Talbot, due to its harmonious expression of an extraordinary growing season, holds promise for those who wish to anchor their portfolios with titles of both pedigree and potential prowess.
A Connoisseur's Epilogue
As we venture into this gastronomic tapestry, let us acknowledge that the 2018 Chateau Talbot reaches beyond mere sensory delight; it is a coalescence of nature's challenge and human artistry. Its distinct profile is indicative not just of the savoir-faire intrinsic to Chateau Talbot but also to the narrative arc that was 2018 in Bordeaux. This wine earns its pride of place amongst connoisseurs' collections and investor portfolios alike, embodying a timeless allure only possible from such an extraordinary vintage as this.
Current market price
$838.81
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
36
Scores and tasting notes
Shows range, with cassis, blueberry and plum fruit and a nice snap of licorice throughout. Fleshy, but with latent drive on the finish. A concentrated, solid wine.—J.M.
James Molesworth - Wine Spectator - April 2019
Very attractive core of pretty fruit and polished yet chewy tannins. Medium to full body, integrated tannins and a driven finish. One of the best Talbots in a long time.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019
A great St-Julien that reflects the estate more than the vintage - a definite compliment to the winemaking team as well as those 50-year-old (on average) vines that are less swayed by climatic changes. This is full of blackberry and bilberry, with a touch of tobacco on the nose. There's good sweetness to the fruit, and although it's not quite as punchy, deep or concentrated as some, this means that it has a beautifully balanced appellation signature. 45hl/ha yield. 60% new oak.
Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019
The 2018 Talbot is super-refined and nuanced from start to finish. Powerful yet also impeccably refined. Talbot is a wine of real character and glass. Savory Cabernet Sauvignon inflections of grilled herbs, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice and coffee all add shades of nuance. At times, Talbot can be a bit light. Not in 2018. Simply put, the 2018 Talbot is stellar. Tasted two times.
Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Talbot is just a little reduced to begin, opening out to reveal notions of warm red and black currants, baked plums and mulberries with touches of sautéed herbs, tilled soil, fallen leaves and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, it has commendably ripe, fine-grained tannins and restrained, earthy layers on offer in the mouth with an herbal lift on the finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Talbot features notions of baked blackcurrants, stewed plums and bouquet garni with hints of tilled soil, tobacco leaf and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is softly textured with bags of juicy black fruits supported by chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021