CHÂTEAU TALBOT

Bright ruby-red. Slightly rustic aromas of musky black raspberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, leather and game. Sweet, glossy and pliant, with lovely intensity and lift to the flavors of dark cherry, cherry pit and spices. Hints at the horsey quality typical of this chateau but boasts terrific enveloping fruit and noteworthy sweetness. Finishes with broad, plush tannins and excellent length. One of the top few Talbot vintages of the last 25 years. Rating: 91 Stephen Tanzer, www.vinousmedia.com (Jul 2012)

Extremely sexy, soft, supple and opulent, with notes of cedar, herbs, incense and black currant fruit, this is a full-bodied, generously endowed but silky Talbot to drink now and over the next 20+ years. By any standard of measurement, this is irresistible. 2012-2032 Drinking range: 2012 - 2032 Rating: 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Mar 2012)

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. Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (May 2010)

Ruby red with inky highlights. Floral and perfumed on the nose, displaying delicate red berry and red cherry aromas. Then muscular and a little monolithic on the palate, with flavors of red cherry, bell pepper and cedar that are currently a bit camouflaged by sweet oak. Finishes youthfully tight but pure and long, with plenty of tongue-dusting tannins and pretty black pepper and mineral elements. Rating: 88-91 Ian d'Agata, TerroirSense (May 2010)

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. Rating: 92-94 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2010)

This wine has a dark core and a cherry pink rim. On the nose it is dark and slightly gamey, although with some good bright edges. The palate has some appeal, although it carries gamey fruit here also, with some roasted cherry stones. A good upright tannic backbone, rather moderate acidity. Great character but it feels a little soft for me, although it does show a bright acidity in the finish. I suspect this will be a must-buy for Talbot-lovers. Rating: 15.5-16.5+ Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2010)

Some development at the rim. Light, graphite nose not without its attractions... Very sweet start but lifted and easy and utterly relaxed. Slightly dry tannins on the end. But very solid effort. Nice neat persistence. 2018-2030 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2010)

Dense purple red, good earthy blackcurrant fruit, quite spicy, broad and open, very smooth texture and enough weight for the future. Drink 2014-22. Rating: ****17 www.decanter.com (Apr 2010)