2014 Talbot (St-Julien)

It has been a few vintages now that this wine stands out en primeur because of the excellent way it has been made. It is no longer systematically the last of the Saint-Juliens. Fleshy fragrant body. Elegant tannins. Very nice. 90 points

The Château Talbot 2014 has a simple bouquet that is missing the sophistication and nuance that is a consistent in Saint Julien wines this year. Aerating the glass for 5 minutes does seem to evolve more delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannin. There is a nice line of acidity here, a little hardness towards the finish but an attractive spicy aftertaste that lingers in the mouth. I can envisage this to be a more austere Saint Julien but if it gains flesh during élevage it could be an interesting proposition. 89-91+ points

There`s usually a fair bit of Talbot to go round, given its status as one of the largest vineyard holders in the commune. This is quite a backward wine, with tannins that need at least a decade to soften in bottle, supported by cigarbox and blackberry fruit and a fresh, blackcurrant leaf lift. 93 points