Talbot 2005

The 2005 Talbot is dense ruby/purple, with moderately intense notes of forest floor, underbrush, and black and red currant fruit. It is slightly herbal, medium-bodied, not terribly complex, but has good sweet fruit, and a decent finish. This wine should drink well for another 15 years. Drink: 2015 - 2030

A strong effort for Talbot, the 2005 is more showy and forward than most wines of this vintage. While there is plenty of tannin, it is sweet and well-concealed behind an intriguing bouquet of sweet herbs, licorice, smoked game, black currants, and cherries. This fleshy, medium to full-bodied St.-Julien exhibits a silky sweetness to its texture and tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+.

Talbot is performing better than it did last year, although various samples tasted seemed to evolve differently in the glass. Nevertheless, it appears to be the finest wine this estate has produced in many years. A deep ruby/plum/purple hue precedes a bouquet of black raspberries, blueberries, licorice, sweet herbs, and a hint of gaminess. It is a fleshy, medium to full-bodied St.-Julien with moderate tannin, and attractive sweetness as well as silkiness. Enjoy it during its first two decades of life.

A deep ruby/blue/purple hue and an earthy, spicy, sweet currant, and leather-scented bouquet are present in this pretty effort. Although somewhat light in the context of the vintage, it possesses good freshness and the potential to be excellent, possibly outstanding if it fleshes out. It will be one 2005 to enjoy early in life. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

The Château Talbot 2005 has a very austere bouquet with antique bureau/mahogany scents infusing the tertiary black fruit. It opens nicely in the glass - certainly showing more vigour and fruit concentration than 2 or 3 years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well judged acidity, but it just lacks a little complexity and concentration on the very austere finish. Classic in style, but it just needs more brio, more presence and authority

Very rich and ripe on the nose, with currants, light raisins and violets. Full-bodied, with big, juicy tannins and a long finish. Almost 95-100. The best Talbot in years.

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Correct, well balanced and refreshing nose. Very well mannered but arguably a bit too discreet. Chunky tannins. Very drying end.
Drink 2019-2035

Mid crimson. Markedly light and slightly stony on the nose. Clean and fresh. Sprightly but it actually tastes like a less concentrated vintage than 2005. Mid everything? But at least it's well mannered. 13%
Drink 2018-2030

Mid crimson. Slightly dull maroon hints. Straightforward fully ripe Médoc Cabernet on the nose. Very well balanced, sappy, fresh, really succulent fruit. Dry framework - no more than medium weight and beautifully judged. Very successful wine. Not exceptionally intense but a lovely medium term drink. Drink 2014-24

Complex notes of fruit, herbs and spice. Restrained yet alluring. A beautifully pitched palate weight, deliverig the ripe balance of the vintage in a sleek syle. Drink from 2012. Awarded 4 stars.

Came 56th out of 184 wines