2012 Château Talbot
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Fragrant on the nose with fresh red fruits. This is not the most substantial of St Juliens – it never is – but it has round tannins and open fruit that are very attractive, and the impression given is that this works with, rather than against, the vintage. Good. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
FINE+RARE
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Talbot has a well-defined bouquet with slightly ferrous red fruit, touches of truffle and undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied, lighter than its peers but well defined and framed by fine tannins. There is a pleasant piquant touch on the finish. Drink now and over the next five to eight years. Tasted blind at the Southwold Ten-Year On tasting.
59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Gently aromatic in a classic rather than explosive sort of way. Juicy and fresh on the palate but without huge depth and drive. A bit like the 2008 but with more precision and a little more fruit. (JL)
Tasted blind. Looks quite mature – the most mature St-Julien. Solid, fresh but evolved nose. Very good for drinking now. And very St-Julien. But not the most ambitious wine. (JR)
About the producer
Quality has not necessarily always lived up to this property’s Fourth Growth status, however there have been significant improvements in recent years, with a sustainable focus in the vineyard, and new winery and cellar.