Vineyard and Château: On the plateau of Saint-Julien, one can see the Château Talbot from afar, amidst an ocean of vineyards, between the large trees of its park. This vintage carries the name of Constable Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, famous English war man and governor of Guyenne, defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. In 1855, during the classification of the Médoc and Graves crus ordered by Emperor Napoleon III, Château Talbot was promoted fourth grand cru classé of Saint-Julien. After being the property of the Marquis d'Aux for decades, the estate was acquired in 1918 by Désiré Cordier. In total, the 110 hectares of the Château Talbot vineyard extend all around the house to the northern borders of the appellation, at the limit of Pauillac. Planted on a terroir of fine Günz gravels on a limestone base with asteria, forming draining slopes, there are a majority of red vines (105 hectares) and a confidential area of white vines (5 hectares). The upkeep of the vineyard is among the most irreproachable in the Médoc. The wines, followed by Nancy Bignon-Cordier with the valuable advice of the oenologist Eric Boissenot and the consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt, are generous and of great elegance. Their easy tasting and their silky tannins allow them to be appreciated young as well as after a long stay in the cellar. Over time, they develop a delicate and complex aromatic bouquet of cedar and Havana.

Tasting: Deep purple-black colored, the 2020 Talbot storms out of the glass with powerful blackcurrants, raspberry leaves and baked plums scents, followed by suggestions of dried Mediterranean herbs, tobacco leaf and graphite. The medium-bodied palate delivers lovely freshness and an approachable chewiness, nicely framing the herb-laced black fruits, finishing savory. robertparker.com

Serving: Serve at room temperature (16-18°C) to accompany roasted partridges with porcini mushrooms and figs.