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Chateau Talbot
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Appellation
Saint
Julien Controlée
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Location:
Chateau Talbot is located
north of Gruaud-Larose
and behind the tiny town of Saint Julien-Beychevelle. 210 acres
(102 hectares) producing 38,000 cases.
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Classification:
Chateau Talbot is classified as a 4th Growth
(Grand Cru Classe) in the Classification
of 1855.
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Grape
varieties: The vineyard at Chateau Talbot is planted with
66% Cabernet Sauvignon,
26% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc,
5% Petit Verdot.
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The
average age of the vines at Chateau Talbot is 28 years.
All harvesting is done by hand and kept separate by vineyard
lot. The soil in Chateau Talbots vineyards is mostly gravel.
2nd
Wine: Connétable de Talbot
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Vinification
and aging: Fermented in stainless steel vats and
aged for 18-24 months in oak
barrels which are replaced 1/2 every year. (Barrels
for Connetable are replaced 20% new each year.) Maceration
of the grapes takes place over 3 weeks.
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History:
A sibling chateau of Gruaud-Larose,
this very beautiful Domaine is one of the oldest in the Medoc.
Once owned by Sir John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, who was the
Governor of Aquitaine until he lost the battle in 1453. Bought
in 1918 by Georges Cordier and is now the home of the Cordier
family.
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Among
the wines classified
in 1855, it is one of those which has always kept
its good reputation. One of the biggest and most productive
Bordeaux
vineyards.
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Evaluation:
Should be upgraded to a Medoc Third Growth.
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Style:
A rich, fruity, smooth wine of breed and character that is very
consistent and shows well even in lesser vintages.
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Food:
Chateau Talbot is excellent with lamb, duck, pork and meat dishes.
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'94
(7-14-00) Subdued nose/nothing wrong here but not strong in
any aspect. Not a long term keeper.
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'89
(7-14-00) Very nice nose/really good fruit and nice balance/very
good finish and ready to go. A classic good wine and ready to
drink now.
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