CHÂTEAU TALBOT
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 1996, 2006. 2016
The concept: three decades of an iconic estate in magnum format.
The wines: simply sublime.
Time has been kind — very, very kind — to this collection of Château Talbot, lifting them to new levels of complexity and integration … and making this a can’t-miss for the serious collector.
(This vertical, I should note, comes in a collector’s wood case, secured directly from the estate and shipped from their cellars to guarantee pristine provenance, which, as our regular readers know, is of utmost importance to us.)
At our recent tasting, there was much anticipation in the room: how would these vintages perform after all those many years? We ended the session in deep gratitude for the mysterious art of extended aging, and with renewed respect for Talbot's ability to produce wines built for the long haul.
Start with the 2016, Talbot's best showing since its epic 1982 release. Wine Spectator called it “rock 'em, sock 'em St.-Julien, with mouthcoating ganache and tar notes backed by commensurate cassis” and a "long finish [that] rumbles through, with buried brambly grip providing the support for the dense fruit and toast to meld.”
And that assessment came in 2019. Now add seven more years of bottle age.
The 2006 vintage was produced during a pivotal year at Talbot, marking when modernization began: lower yields, later harvests, increased attention to detail. Decanter declared it “dazzling” in 2024, and its review beautifully captures its depth and poise: the "2006 Talbot is entering its window of maturity. Gorgeous aromatics suck you in and the palate does not disappoint. Alluring cedary nuances add complexity and a 'not just fruit' quality to its weighty black fruitiness."
And that brings us to the 1996 vintage, which carries itself with a particular kind of majesty. Decanter extolled its "lovely St-Julien signature of rich black fruits floating over a bed of air," calling out, in particular, its "poise and confidence," its "mouthwatering finish,” and its "complexity and elegance."
William Kelley has written that Talbot is clearly “an estate to watch,” with former La Conseillante winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte bringing more volume and precision to the winemaking. But these three show that the Talbot of old was always a gem, if you could remain patient.
Well, this is what patience looks like: three gorgeous, gracefully aged beauties.
Secure your collection today.
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Summer 2026. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in IL, KS, MI, MO, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer will expire on Monday, January 26th, 2026.