Talbot 2001

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 color 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.

Poured from a magnum, this has a very similar nose: soft, scents of mulberry plus a little more cold black tea this time. The palate is medium-bodied, well balanced with lots of cedar-infused black fruits. It actually reaches its peak some six hours after opening! Not a long-term Saint Julien but to reiterate, a nice “classic” style of wine. Tasted July 2008.

Very dry tannins but sweet palate entry. Clearly ambitious and solid. This should not disappoint. Very long and very “masculine”. Lots of extract without exaggeration. Long.

The dark ruby/purple-colored 2001 Talbot offers sweet, earthy, black currant, and cherry fruit, medium body, light tannin, a supple texture, and more charm than most 2001s. It appears the winemaker knew what could be achieved in this vintage, and went for charm and delicacy as opposed to power. The result is a wine that should drink well for 10-12 years without drying out or becoming attenuated.