Talbot 1996

Delicious, yet more proof of how this corner of Bordeaux excelled in 1996, and the drinking window is still going strong. Grilled earth, tobacco leaf, crushed mint, dried roses, liqourice, brambled autumnal fruit, fine tannins with a trace of dryness, but full of pleasure. Christian Hostein cellar master, 50% new oak for ageing.

Bright crimson with some age on the rim. Sweet, mild nose vaguely reminiscent of a malted milk drink. Full, complete, fully ripe and should satisfy both modernists and classicists. Chewy finish but lots of ripe fruit in the middle. Drying tannins on the finish. Drink 2009-20

I tasted this wine three times in January, rating it 88, 89, and 90 with similar tasting notes. The wine is close to being outstanding, exhibiting a saturated dark ruby color, and excellent aromatics, consisting of black fruits intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and roasted meat smells. It is full, with impressive extract, a fleshy texture, low acidity, excellent purity, and a long, deep, chewy finish. This 1996 will be drinkable at a young age, yet keep for 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2017.

The 1996 Talbot is an excellent effort from this large St Julien estate. Black/ruby/purple- colored, with a pronounced nose of Provencal Olives, black currants, licorice, and Asian spices, this is a powerful, dense, richly fruity wine with fine intensity, moderate tannin, and medium body. This attractive St Julien will be one of a handful of 1996s that can be drunk a few years after bottling.