1982 Château Talbot

The brilliant 1982 Talbot is a reference point for this estate, and in my experience, only the 1945 can match its quality. Offering up rich aromas of blackberries, smoked meats, loamy soil, licorice and black olives, it's full-bodied, broad and textural, with a thick, fleshy attack that segues into an ample, muscular mid-palate. Rich and savory, it's a compelling wine in its prime today. There's no reason to defer gratification.

This magnum of 1982 Talbot was the biggest surprise of the 1982 dinner that wowed every attendee…including yours truly. Stunning definition on the flattering nose, this is so fragrant and quite floral with wilted rose petals and mint complementing the red fruit. The palate is marked by a fine bead of acidity, this magnum even better than the château bottle shown at their vertical four years earlier. It fans out beautifully on the finish, classic and understated, shimmering with pedigree. (NM)

The 1982 Talbot has long been one of my favourites of the decade. Now at 35 years of age it retains its deep garnet colour. The bouquet is fresh and vigorous with black fruit, sous-bois , chocolate and a light splash of balsamic, almost like a “toned down” Gruaud Larose. The palate is cohesive with fine but firm tannin, ample black fruit infused with tobacco and a touch of dark chocolate. It is classic and traditional Talbot through and through, and on this showing it will provide another two decade’s of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the International Business & Wine 1982 Horizontal in London.