Talbot 2012

A juicy style of wine, Talbot’s 2012 has a dense ruby/purple color, plenty of black and red currant fruit, a touch of plum, soft tannin and a spicy, medium-bodied mouthfeel. It is excellent, with no hollowness or astringency. This is a very successful wine in this vintage and should drink well for 15-20 years.Drink: 2015 - 2035

The grapes were picked at Talbot from the 1st until the 18th October and the Grand Vin is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the same assemblage as the previous vintage. The nose is nicely focused with blackberry and cedar aromas, perhaps like some other Saint Juliens, demonstrating a Pauillac-like personality that I wonder whether will be present after bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a pleasant citric edge of acidity. It is more cohesive than the 2011 with plenty of fruit on the finish suggesting this will become a commendable wine for the vintage. I think this is the first where I feel consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt has had a hand in ameliorating this Saint Julien property. Tasted April 2013.

Purple with a pale rim. Tarry nose. Then sweet palate entry. A little muted. Respectable but a bit dull. Fades away on the very dry finish.

The nose is full of brooding black fruits rich cassis and black cherry. The start of the palate has the same richness but under depth of fruit bramble and bilberry refresh and lighten. The tannins give structure firm but not aggressive and although the finish is tight there is enough rich fruit at the back. 2020-35