Talbot - Saint-Julien 2001

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe6/30/2004

This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2004

Very perfumed with blackberry and light wet earth. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Rich and generous for the vintage. Much better than from barrel. Best after 2007. 25,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2003

A well-balanced St.-Julien, an appellation that produced numerous tannic wines in this vintage, the dark ruby/purple-colored 2001 Talbot offers sweet, earthy, black currant, and cherry fruit, medium body, light tannin, a supple texture, and more charm than most 2001s. It appears the winemaker knew what could be achieved in this vintage, and went for charm and delicacy as opposed to power. The result is a wine that should drink well for 10-12 years without drying out or becoming attenuated.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

The dark ruby/purple-colored 2001 Talbot offers sweet, earthy, black currant, and cherry fruit, medium body, light tannin, a supple texture, and more charm than most 2001s. It appears the winemaker knew what could be achieved in this vintage, and went for charm and delicacy as opposed to power. The result is a wine that should drink well for 10-12 years without drying out or becoming attenuated.