Château Talbot - Saint-Julien 2012

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2015

Jamessuckling.com

91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2015

This shows pretty depth and finesse for a young 2012 with mineral, blackberry and clove character. Remains subtle. Full body, a solid core of fruit and a long and structured finish. Better after 2017.

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

the12/11/2014

Another fine St-Julien: fragrant, ripe but fresh dark fruit. Harmony of fruit and structure, the tannins firm but not dry. Acidity pinches just a little on the finish.

(JH)13% Drink 2020-2032

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

89-91 / 100

byIan D'Agatathe6/30/2013

Deep ruby.  The pure aromas of cassis, violet and minerals just scream Bordeaux.  Fresh and energetic on the palate, with suave flavors of dark berries, minerals and dry herbs.  This captivating Talbot has lovely length and balance.  Very well done:  this is one of the biggest Left Bank successes in 2012.

timatkin.com

94 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe6/30/2013

The vintages were both problematic, but Talbot made very good wines in 2011 and 2012 under the consultancy of Stéphane Derononcourt. This is soft and nuanced with classic cigar box and green pepper aromas, a hint of appealing reduction, plenty of texture, well integrated oak and filigree tannins. Drink: 2020-30

Le Point

15-15,5 / 100

byJacques Dupontthe5/16/2013

Epices, poivre noir, bouche onctueuse, large, saveurs de prune et de fruits noirs, finale poivrée et tannique, orange confite, bonne longueur, un peu accrocheur en finale. O = 2017 G= 13 ans.

Asian Palate

86 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe5/15/2013

Medium weight, round, friendly Talbot with plums, black fruits and supple texture. A good, solid Talbot for early enjoyment.

Wine Advocate

89-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2013

The grapes were picked at Talbot from the 1st until the 18th October and the Grand Vin is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the same assemblage as the previous vintage. The nose is nicely focused with blackberry and cedar aromas, perhaps like some other Saint Juliens, demonstrating a Pauillac-like personality that I wonder whether will be present after bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a pleasant citric edge of acidity. It is more cohesive than the 2011 with plenty of fruit on the finish suggesting this will become a commendable wine for the vintage. I think this is the first where I feel consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt has had a hand in ameliorating this Saint Julien property. Tasted April 2013.

Wine Spectator

84-87 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/30/2013

Features modest cherry and powdered vanilla notes, with a flash of red currant on the finish. Lacks weight at the center. —J.M.

matthewjukes.com

17.5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/30/2013

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/26/2013

A strong effort from Talbot, this sexy, medium to full-bodied, richly fruity 2012 exhibits lots of creme de cassis, licorice, roasted herb and spice box characteristics in an evolved yet elegant, round, lush style that was surprisingly seductive and disarming. This offering stood out as one of the stars of St.-Julien. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.
Drink: 2013 - 2028

The Wine Cellar Insider

89-91 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/26/2013

Licorice, black raspberry, and espresso scents open to a soft, polished, round, medium-bodied wine filled with black cherries. From a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, the wine reached 13.6% alcohol. 89-91 Pts

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5 / 20

the4/25/2013

Coloré, profond, large, volumineux, un peu prune, de la texture et de la longueur, vendangé certainement très mûr.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/23/2013

Drink 2018-2027
Purple with a pale rim. Tarry nose. Then sweet palate entry. A little muted. Respectable but a bit dull. Fades away on the very dry finish.

Decanter.com

16,75 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/22/2013

Good smooth and spicy cassis fruit, ripeness and balance, quite forward style. 16.75/20pts ( 89/100pts)
Drink: 2016 - 2025

Jean-Marc QUARIN

15,8 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/22/2013

Couleur sombre de bonne intensité. Nez fruité de type mûr. Bouche tendre, fruitée, savoureuse, très agréable de corps et de longueur normaux. Vin tout en douceur.

Jamessuckling.com

90-91 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/4/2013

Structured and chewy with ripe fruit and spices. Full-to-medium body, with an attractive center palate and a long finish. Not quite at the level of 2011 but outstanding.