Tasting Notes
Vinous 90
The 1996 Talbot comes from an era when I think this Saint-Julien lost its way a little. It was picked from 16 September until 12 October with intermittent breaks to avoid showers. It has a relatively light bouquet with tertiary black fruit, cedar and incense, gaining a little vigour with aeration although it never fully lets go. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit on the entry, balanced but light in style with a touch of soy and black pepper towards the finish. It is certainly classic in style but it just needs more backbone and stuffing. Tasted at the centenary Château Talbot vertical at the property.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2039
JancisRobinson.com 17.0
Mid crimson with a ruby rim. Marked evolution on the nose in low intensity. Mellow start and great lift and sweetness. A slight hint of rusty nails but overall a very nice glass of wine.
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020
Robert Parker 84
Tasted several times, last blind at Farr’s horizontal in Sept ’06. A deep blackberry, mocha and chestnut nose. Medium to full-bodied. Well-knit tannins and very focused. Good acidity. Fresh. Not incredibly complex. Smokey, a little coarse on the finish. Fine. Tasted September 2006.
