Château Talbot, Connétable Talbot, 2022, Saint-Julien (AOC)

'One-Liner'
A beautifully polished taste of Château Talbot – classic Saint-Julien elegance with juicy dark fruit and a little more youthful charm.

Tasting Note
Deep ruby in the glass, with aromas of blackcurrant, plum and red cherry joined by violet, cedar and a cool hint of mint. The palate is medium-bodied and energetic, with ripe cassis and red berry fruit held together by finely shaped tannins and fresh acidity. Subtle notes of tobacco, spice and gently toasted oak add savoury depth without overwhelming the fruit. There is an attractive suppleness here that makes it approachable relatively young, while still carrying the structure you would expect from Saint-Julien. The finish is clean, fresh and quietly persistent.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Saint-Julien AOC
Grape(s): 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot
ABV: 13%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
James Suckling – 93/100
Wine Spectator – 92/100
Decanter – 91/100
Robert Parker Wine Advocate – 87–89/100
Vinous, Antonio Galloni – 88/100
Vinous, Neal Martin – 88/100
Jancis Robinson – 16/20

The Story
Connétable Talbot is not simply a younger sibling created to follow a Bordeaux fashion – it was one of the Médoc's earliest second wines, first produced in the 1970s. It comes from Château Talbot, the Fourth Growth estate whose great sweep of vines occupies a single block on the gravelly plateau of Saint-Julien beside the Gironde. There is a pleasing historical connection in the name too: Château Talbot itself is named after John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury and Constable of France, who was defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, bringing the Hundred Years' War close to its end. Today Connétable benefits from the same increasingly rigorous vineyard selection as the grand vin, but is deliberately styled to show Saint-Julien's elegance in a more immediately approachable form. The 2022 is a 56% Cabernet Sauvignon and 44% Merlot blend, vinified in stainless steel and matured entirely in barrel.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Steak sandwich with caramelised onions and peppery rocket
- Vegetarian: Baked celeriac with wild mushrooms, thyme and hazelnuts
- Vegan: Braised red cabbage with lentils and roasted onions