Château Talbot 2001

The Nose is powerful, with a slightly wild and animalistic character, yet with depth. On the Palate, it reveals itself vigorous, somewhat rustic in expression, but savory and charming.

This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a Blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple Colour is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years.

Very perfumed with blackberry and light wet earth. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Rich and generous for the vintage. Much better than from barrel. Best after 2007. 25,000 cases made.

There is a great link here between the tannins, delicious red berry fruits and blackcurrants and the almost architectural structure. The wine certainly has fine fruit, a great balance, very complete, finishing gently, ripe and soft.

Colour-wise this wine has held itself together a little more than the 2000 vintage. The higher acidity could be down to the cooler nights in 2001, and this displays more grip and vibrancy through the palate. It definitely seems to have further to go on the palate – the fruit is black, tight and a little less expressive right now then the 2000. Nevertheless, this is still an extremely classic St-Julien, not hugely generous but with more intense menthol and cold ash notes. Well balanced. Aged in 50% new oak. A touch of Cabernet Franc makes up the blend.

There is a lot of classic charm here, with its tobacco, black raspberry, cedar and earthy character. The tannins are soft, but present, letting you know this is nice now, and will be better with a bit more time in the bottle.

Medium garnet-purple colour. Nose tending towards floral with a sweet touch, soft, then developing blueberry fruit. Juicy, pleasantly fruity palate, soft tannins, delicate blackberry note, slender, but beautiful length with gentle dryness in the finish. Could perhaps improve further.

02: I have tasted the wine four times. One sample showed a herbal green Nose, soft acidity and was rather heavy. Another sample at the Château Lynch-Moussas tasting: Medium garnet-purple. Tending towards floral, but with a sweet touch, soft and then developing blueberry fruit. Juicy, pleasantly fruity Palate, soft tannins, delicate blackberry note, slender, but beautiful length with soft dryness on the finish. Perhaps it could improve, which is difficult to hope for given its price (16/20). A bitter disappointment too at Bora Bora in a small blind tasting. Green, bitter, metallic. Unfortunately, nothing good will come of this one! (15/20). 09: Medium garnet-purple, quite intense in the middle. Sweet Nose, reminiscent of a Nuits-Burgundy, erotic roasted notes and smoky nuances. Velvety, soft Palate, the tannins marry with the extract and the body shows a certain charm, aromatic support. Pleases me a bit more than before. (17/20). And once again, it has pleasantly surprised me. Really beautiful Saint-Julien! Slender with plenty of aromas. By now I like it so much that I'm almost considering seeking it out online. (17/20).

Medium garnet red. Well-defined bouquet with light smoky notes and a touch of eucalyptus. Compact but rather unexpressive nose entry. On the palate, the wine has a medium-intensity body. Rustic character with grainy tannins and a structure that provides good backbone. Best enjoyed now, while there is still plenty of substance.

Red colour. Bordeaux. Medium to good intensity. Medium intensity nose. Fruity. Spicy. Fairly fresh, fairly elegant. Tender wine on the palate and fairly fruity, developing over a medium body, with soft tannins and no harshness. Overall quite pleasant while remaining understated.