2022 Ch Talbot 4ème Cru, St-Julien

The tannins really are integrated and fill out across the palate. The texture is so beautiful and refined. Medium- to full-bodied and crunchy, with lovely texture and refinement.

94-95 points James Suckling

The 2022 Talbot is especially impressive, and if it fulfills all its promise, it is likely to emerge as this large Saint-Julien property's most exciting wine since the 1980s. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of cherries, blackberries and cassis mingled with hints of violets and pencil lead, it's medium to full-bodied, velvety and concentrated, with a layered core of fruit, rich structuring tannins and a long, lively finish. It's a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot that's being matured in 60% new oak.

93-95 points William Kelley for Robert Parker

Ruby colour with violet reflections, vivid and intense, well sculpted, this is delicious, with texture and heart. There are clear depths to the nuanced blackberry and cassis fruits, great quality, with St Julien balance. One to follow over ageing, this is an impressive Talbot. 60% new oak for ageing.

94 points Jane Anson

Readers will love the 2022 Château Talbot, one of the finest vintages from this château that I can recall. Possessing a gorgeous nose of pure cassis, blackberries, tobacco, and iron, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, and perfectly integrated tannins. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot that’s resting in 60% new French oak, this utterly classic, pure, lengthy Saint-Julien will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and have a broad drink window. Bravo.

93-95+ points Jeb Dunnuck

A wonderful Cabernet fragrance fills this glass, very pure fruit, profound, noble. Power and power on the palate, crisp, dark berry fruit, distinctive, fine tannins, very good balance between power and finesse. Long, dark fruity finish. That has big reserves. 2030-2060

94-96 points AvV vvwine

A great effort in 2022 with such excellent precision and detail to the tannins and fruit. Cool blueberries, blackcurrants, cola, vanilla, tobacco and liquorice all give nuance and interest with fleshy tannins and bright acidity. Great balance of intensity and finesse with such energy from start to finish. Really quite approachable and enjoyable with impressive crystalline aspects and a lovely sense of place. Tasted twice. A yield of 40hl/ha. Ageing 16 months in barrels, 60% new. Harvest 9-28 September. 3.75pH.

95 points Decanter

Château Talbot has been one of Saint Julien's most admired estates for more than a century, combining the consistency expected of a Fourth Growth with the generosity and charm that have made it a favourite among Bordeaux collectors. Family owned by the Cordier family, the château is renowned for producing wines that balance classical Left Bank structure with remarkable elegance and approachability.

The estate's gravelly vineyards overlook the Gironde Estuary, where Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes alongside Merlot and Petit Verdot. The exceptional 2022 vintage delivered beautifully ripe fruit while retaining freshness and precision, producing a Saint Julien of impressive concentration, harmony and long term cellaring potential.

The colour is a deep garnet with youthful purple highlights. Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum are accompanied by cedar, pencil lead, violets and fine cigar box notes. The palate is refined and beautifully structured, combining concentrated black fruits with polished tannins and vibrant acidity. Hints of cocoa, crushed stone and subtle spice emerge through a long, effortless finish that reflects the balance and pedigree for which Talbot is renowned.

A magnificent companion to roast lamb, dry aged rib eye, venison loin or beef Wellington with truffle. Although already captivating with a generous decant, this outstanding Saint Julien will continue to reward patient cellaring through the 2040s.