2025 Talbot
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2025 Talbot contains the highest ever Petit Verdot (9%) this year due to more generous yields. Picked from September 5 to 22, a little quicker than expected as Laporte spotted some botrytis, at 28 hl/ha, this is matured in 60% new oak barrels. It has a generous bouquet, a mixture of red and black fruit intermixed with mocha and light undergrowth scents, typical Talbot. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well judged acidity, satisfying weight and density on the mid-palate that had been lacking in vintages past. A little more grip on the grainy-textured finish, lightly spiced with a hint of powdered chocolate, if you seek a classic Saint-Julien and, it must be said, often at a reasonable price, then look no further.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Ruby-hued, the 2025 Château Talbot is a beautiful Saint-Julien based on 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 9% Petit Verdot that's being raised 16 months in 60% new French oak. Its pretty nose of spicy red and black fruits, dried flowers, and graphite is followed by a medium-bodied Talbot with soft tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. I love its overall balance, and it's an impeccably made, elegant effort that has tons to love.
This is juicy and incisive, with expressive dark fruit and fine-grained, almost grainy tannins. A savory quality in the long finish. Persistent and cohesive.
The 2025 Talbot is a huge, potent wine. Blackberry, gravel, incense, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and dark spice soar out of the glass. Huge swaths of tannin frame it all effortlessly. Talbot is a beast in 2025. It needs time to settle down.
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.