Château Talbot - Saint-Julien 2003

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

Black olive tapenade intermixed with red and black currants, new saddle leather, licorice and spice aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, juicy, succulent, fully mature 2003. There is no reason to defer your gratification any longer. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

From bottle the 2003 is showing as well as can be expected. A soft, sexy, near-term style of claret with a deep plum/ruby/purple-tinged color, a big, sweet nose of anise, creme de cassis, smoke, Provencal herbs, and some spice box, it is opulent, fleshy, not profoundly concentrated, but rich enough. Everything is nicely balanced with silky tannin and low acidity. Drink it over the next 12-14 years as this is a seductive wine.

Wine Spectator

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

Aromas of blackberry, currant and mineral follow through to a full-bodied palate, with fine tannins and a chocolate and light vanilla aftertaste. Subtle and long. Caressing texture. Hard not to drink now. Best after 2010. 31,785 cases made.

Wine Advocate

87-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

This is a sweet, almost commercial style of Bordeaux with medium body, a dark ruby/plum color, plenty of charm, herbaceous/olive-tinged cherry and black currant fruit, low acidity, and a nice, plump, fleshy mid-palate and length. Although not as concentrated as the finest wines of the vintage, it is attractive, supple, and ideal for drinking over the next 10-12 years.

GaultMillau

89-91 / 100

the6/30/2004

Tannique, assez extrait, ce vin bien concentré arbore une très belle longueur Un des succès du millésime

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

Talbot’s soft, forward 2003 is nearly ready to drink. Tasted on three occasions, it reveals extremely low acidity (to the point of almost being flat) as well as a deep ruby/garnet color, and a big nose of berry fruit, dried herbs, new saddle leather, and earth. Round, fruity, and charming, but lacking structure and depth, it should continue to pull itself together and reveal more weight and richness as it ages in barrel and bottle. It will be ready to drink early in life. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014.