Château Talbot, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien,

Plum, damson, black cherry, take the overall feel of 2021 and turn on its head. Cloves and cinammon, liqourice, orange peel, pomegranate, cassis. A little atypical for St Julien in its exoticism but has freshness and grip, and underlying lift if you give it time to unwind in the glass. 60% new oak for ageing, Jean-Michel Laporte director.

The 2022 Talbot was picked September 9-28 at 40hL/ha, slightly higher than other estates, matured in 60% new oak. Jean-Michel Laporte told me that he did a slightly longer maceration than in 2019 and 2020 during its 3.5 weeks cuvaison. It has a fragrant bouquet, well-defined with black cherries, cassis, iris and touches of brown spice. The palate is well balanced with fine weight and depth, the 13% vin de presse landing backbone. Detailed and focused, it has the same mineral spine as Gruaud Larose nearby. Quite long and lively with a tingle of white and black pepper on the finish. This is a delicious Talbot, but it is the one Saint-Julien that needs a little more depth in the middle. Nevertheless, it should age for many, many years and appeal to those seeking classicism in this vintage.