Chateau Talbot

Château Talbot is a property in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc. It was ranked a fourth growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin, which represents around 50 to 60 percent of total production, is known for its spicy aromas and silky texture when young, but also praised for its consistent ability to age well.

The château is located in the center of the zone of cru classé vineyards, just inland from the Léoville properties – the 107-hectare (264-acre) vineyard stretches northwards to the border with Pauillac. As with other top estates in the Médoc, the vineyard is situated on the banks of the Gironde estuary on deposits of alluvial gravel on top of fossil-rich limestone. All but 5ha (12 acres) is planted to red varieties – 66 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon with 26 percent Merlot and 8 percent to Petit Verdot. Grapes are vinified in a mix of wooden and stainless steel vats. Château Talbot is aged for around 14 months in oak barrels, around half of which are new.

The château takes its name from the Connétable Talbot, an English soldier and governor of Guyenne who was defeated in battle by the French at Castillon in 1453. For the last century it has been owned by members of the Cordier family, one of the most notable surnames in Bordeaux wine.

A second wine, Connétable Talbot, has existed since a move towards stricter selection in the 1960s, while Seigneur de Talbot is a close relative of the Connétable, specifically aimed at the Chinese market. Caillou Blanc is a white made mostly with Sauvignon Blanc with a dash of Semillon.