Grand Cru Classé (1982)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Bordeaux with complex aromas of black fruits, licorice, and earthy notes, offering a full-bodied and fleshy palate.
About this wine
The 1982 Château Talbot from Saint-Julien is a standout vintage, showcasing a dense garnet color that reaches the rim. Its aromatic profile is rich and exotic, featuring notes of charcoal, beef blood, licorice, herbs, and dark fruits. A subtle hint of figs suggests a touch of overripeness, yet the wine maintains a fleshy and full-bodied character with sweet tannins and an expansive, heady mouthfeel. This vintage is considered one of the greatest produced by Château Talbot, reflecting the exceptional quality of the 1982 harvest in Bordeaux. Even after decades, it continues to offer a compelling and savory experience, embodying the classic characteristics of a well-aged Saint-Julien wine.
About the grape
In the 1982 Château Talbot Grand Cru Classé from Saint-Julien, the primary grape varietals are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, making up about 68% of the vineyard, thrives in the region's gravelly soils, contributing structure and longevity to the wine. Merlot, comprising approximately 28%, adds softness and roundness, balancing the tannic nature of Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot, though only about 4% of the blend, imparts deep color and spicy notes, enhancing the wine's complexity. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, where each varietal plays a specific role in creating a harmonious and age-worthy wine.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1982 Château Talbot is renowned for its exceptional quality, often considered one of the estate's finest vintages.
- 🍇 This vintage is a blend of approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot, showcasing the classic Bordeaux varietals.
- ☀️ The 1982 vintage benefited from ideal climatic conditions, resulting in concentrated flavors and balanced acidity, contributing to its longevity and desirability among collectors.
- 🏞️ Château Talbot's vineyards are situated on fine gravelly rises near the Gironde estuary, providing excellent drainage and contributing to the wine's distinctive character.
- ⚔️ The estate is named after Sir John Talbot, an English commander defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453, adding a historical dimension to its legacy.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Talbot, located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is named after Sir John Talbot, an English military commander defeated at the Battle of Castillon in 1453. The estate was classified as a Fourth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Official Classification. In 1918, it was acquired by Désiré Cordier, whose family has managed the property for over a century, with Nancy Bignon-Cordier currently overseeing operations. The vineyard spans 110 hectares, making it one of the largest in the Médoc region, and is renowned for producing both red and white wines, including the notable Caillou Blanc, one of the Médoc's oldest dry white wines.
