Talbot 2013

Soft, ripe and fruity, the 2013 Talbot possesses light tannins, a supple texture, and plenty of licorice- and underbrush-infused berry fruit. This mid-weight, easygoing, forward, evolved wine should be drunk during its first 5-6 years of life.

The 2013 Talbot is missing some fruit concentration on the nose and consequently it seems a little dusty and dour. The palate is better: medium-bodied and providing more pleasure than the aromatics with red and black fruit, cedar and cigar box notes and quite driving acidity towards the finish that imparts freshness on the finish. If those aromatics can take flight in bottle, then this will deserve a higher score. It is a lightweight at the moment although Talbot does have a tendency to gain weight with age.

A wine with blackberry with chocolate character. Full and juicy. Round delicious. Subtlety layered wine. Outstanding.

The Château Talbot 2013 is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 16% Merlot. It has a decent nose that actually has more fruit intensity than I expected, although it still feels rather conservative. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly tough tannins. They have certainly tried to extract as much as possible and credit to them that they have not taken it too far. It needs to gain more finesse by the time of bottling... let's see. Tasted April 2014.