Talbot 2009

The mix of red and black fruit on the nose is rather over dominated by tannic firmness. Fuller fruit is there on the palate, quite sweet at first but then the tannins take over and rather dominate leaving the back palate feeling a bit rustic. Drink 2020-2040.

Further evidence of the quality of the 2009 vintage in St Julien, this is an exceptionally aromatic Talbot, with good structure, smoky oak, currant-like fruit, a hint of fresh tobacco and perfumed, cedar wood oak. Poised and elegant on the palate, with harmonious balance and a fresh, refined finish. Another wine for drinkers, rather than speculators. 15+ years.

Garnet hue. Ripe and welcoming on the nose; marked by the Cabernet and terroir with dark fruit and minty, stony notes to the fore. Sweet attack with a density of fruit on the mid palate which enrobes the tannins. A solar aspect but not excessive. Fine tannins give plenty of length and drive. Already drinkable (if decanted) but still has a way to go. Drink 2020-2038.

Dense purple red, good earthy blackcurrant fruit, quite spicy, broad and open, very smooth texture and enough weight for the future. Drink 2014-22.

A hint of brick colour at the edge belies the youthfulness of the gorgeous 2009 Talbot. Succulent black fruit sits on a firm but suave base. Savoury mature nuances peak out, but this beauty has miles to go before it sleeps (apologies to Robert Frost). This poised delight shows the charm of St-Julien. Drink 2025-2040.

This is the most impressive Talbot since the 1982 and 1986. It reveals an opaque plum/garnet/purple color as well as knock-out aromas of black fruits, cedar, incense, licorice, and a Provencal garrigue-like character. Substantial, sexy, and seductive, it is almost slutty in its exuberance and ostentatiousness. It was a thrill to drink this loaded St.-Julien. It should offer irresistible drinking over the next 20-25 years. (Tasted two times.) Drink 2010-2035.

Tasted at the château and the UGC. A sample taken 22nd March, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon (a little higher than usual), 31% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot, picked from 26th September with the Merlot, the Cabernet picked from 2nd October until 14th October. It was the first time they stopped picking to achieve full ripeness. The nose is just a little subdued at the moment, broody blackberry, raspberry, a touch of savoury fruit just in the background, perhaps from the Petit Verdot. The palate is medium-bodied, slightly rustic tannins on the entry, but nice depth on the mid-palate, fanning out nicely towards the supple finish. Notes of blackberry, tobacco, a touch of coca and a touch of pepper. A little rusticity compared to others although it displays admirable delineation. Off-dry finish. Fine, but it needs to pep up a bit by bottling. Tasted March 2010.