The 2011 Château Talbot is a bit of an under-the-radar gem—often overlooked in favor of flashier vintages, but it's aging into something really charming. A classic Saint-Julien blend, this one is smooth and approachable now, with layers of juicy dark berries, chocolate, and a hint of toasted oak. After a decade, it’s gained lovely notes of tobacco leaf and earthy spice, but still has a nice grip and freshness. It’s not a powerhouse, but there’s plenty of finesse here—balanced, inviting, and just a joy to drink. Great option for when you want something mellow but still full of character.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Feb 18, 2014

A juicy young 2011 with chocolate, berry and toasted-oak character. Full and rich. Needs time to soften. This is better than the 2010 Talbot. Try in 2017. 

Decanter | D 92
Published: Feb 19, 2021
Drink: 2021-2040

This at 10 years old is a beautiful sappy fruit-filled wine. There are traces of tertiary aromatics of blond tobacco and ever so gentle autumnal leaf crackle, but this still has grip and welcoming autumnal fruits. Very enjoyable and balanced, full of nuance and charm. A yield of 46hl/ha. 50% new oak.
Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon 35% Merlot 5% Petit Verdot

The Wine Advocate | RP 90
Published: Apr 30, 2014
Drink: 2014-2029

Talbot's dense ruby/purple color is followed by an attractive, spicy, earthy St.-Julien displaying hints of tapenade, black cherries and soil undertones in a forward, lush, round, seductive style. This excellent, medium-bodied 2011 should provide delicious drinking for 10-15 years. Talbot appears to have succeeded admirably in this vintage. 

Chateau-talbot.com

Owner: Family Bignon-Cordier
Appellation: Saint-Julien, 4th Classified Growth in 1855 
Area of vines: 104,5 ha 
Terroir: Medoc's gravelly soil 
Planting density: 7 700 plants/ha 
Age of vines: 50 years 
Pruning: Medoc double guyot 
Farming: Traditional plowing 4 ways 
Harvests: Manual 
Sorting: Successive (manual and optical/floating sorting) 
Winemaking: In oak vats 
Blend: 60 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 % Merlot, 5 % Petit Verdot 
Degree: 13,5 % vol 
Yield: 46 hl/ha 
Harvests: From September 12th to 28th 
Ageing: 15 months in oak barrels (50% new) 
Bottling: From May 6th to 29th 2013