Talbot - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinous

93

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Talbot shows much better now than just a year ago. Here it has a much more intense bouquet than Gruaud Larose and Lagrange. Upfront blackberry and bilberry scents, cedar and subtle mint aromas lend complexity with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannin on the entry, a fine bead of acidity with layers of graphite-infused black fruit. I love the precision on the finish here and the persistence is superb. Impressive. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Wine Advocate

90

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

The 2015 Talbot has a clean and refined bouquet with blackberry, cedar and cigar box scents that gradually unfurl in classic Saint-Julien/Talbot fashion. The cedar element becomes heightened with aeration while it develops more delineation and complexity. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin. This has gained body and substance since I tasted it in barrel, the sample at the UGC in London a little simplistic on the finish although the bottle at the château demonstrated much more sophistication and terroir expression. Delicate and elegant. Antici-pated maturity: 2021 - 2045. 

Vinous

92

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

The 2015 Talbot is endowed with serious power and density, much of which it appears to have acquired during aging. Dark plum, lavender, new leather, spice and grilled herbs run through this decidedly potent Saint-Julien. Readers will have to give the 2015 at least a few years to shed some of its formidable tannins. In two tastings, Talbot showed more nuance, complexity and overall pedigree than it did as a barrel sample.

Wine Advocate

88

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Scented of crushed black raspberries, black cherries and currants with touches of herbs, garrigue and aniseed, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Talbot is medium-bodied and taut with firm, chewy tannins and an earthy finish.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

Alluring, with plum and fruitcake notes that are lushly textured, picking up mesquite, black tea and melted licorice flavors along the way. Keeps the warm, enveloping feel going through the finish, with the fruit dripping steadily. Best from 2020 through 2038. 34,558 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

A big, rich wine for St. Julien with plenty of power and concentration, which enables it to carry plenty of spicy and toasty oak. The tannins need some time to soften, but the elegant finish says that from 2020 this should really impress.

Decanter.com

91

byJane Ansonthe1/26/2018

This is an estate that has been riding high in recent vintages, and it is once again showing the success of its investment in the vineyard and cellar. Although not quite at the heights of its 2016, the fruit is well handled and carefully extracted, delivering a menthol and pencil-lead combination to back up cassis notes. 50% new oak.

Jeb DUNNUCK

91

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

17

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Dark crimson. Lots of sweet fruit but a slight lack of focus. Solid box-ticking wine but without real excitement.

Wine Advocate

88-90

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Talbot has a very typical nose for this Saint Julien estate: unapologetically classic in style, reserved even, with very subtle blackberry and briary scents tinged with pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, moderate weight in the mouth, but it feels very linear and conservative towards the finish. Talbot rarely shows well out of barrel and can improve in bottle, so I will be a little more optimistic in my score and hope that it gains matière during élevage.

Decanter.com

91

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Classic, robust and meaty Talbot fruit with slightly gamey spice, but more polish and lift in 2015. Always open in style but will last well. 2021-2033

Vinous

90-93

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2013 Talbot is a pleasing, accessible wine with good up-front presence and lovely overall balance. Dark fruit, leather, menthol, game, smoke, licorice and herbs add attractive shades of nuance throughout. The 2015 Talbot is a bit rustic and not especially complex, but it sure is delicious. Best of all, the Talbot should drink well relatively early and be priced reasonably, making it one of the better values of the vintage. Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu are the consulting winemakers.

timatkin.com

91

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93

byJeff Levethe4/20/2016

Espresso, smoke, licorice, cassis and black cherry create the nose. Forward in style with round-textures and an earthy, blackberry and cassis finish. 91 - 93 Pts

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/18/2016

A Stéphane Derenoncourt wine. Mid crimson. Fragrant. Not concentrated but fresh and vital on the nose. Absolutely classic claret for early drinking. Or airlines! Drink 2017-2024

Wine Enthusiast

92-94

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. This wine has brooding tannins, concentrated berry flavors and a fine shot of acidity. A light edge of red berry flavors gives lift to the dusty tannins. Already the fine balance of the wine is showing through. 93 points

Jamessuckling.com

92-93

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

A refined yet chewy young red with lots of blackberry and blueberry aromas and flavors. Full body, ripe tannins and a fresh and clean finish.

Wine Spectator

90-93

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

This distinctive wine puts a slightly chewy and austere note of warm stone alongside the vintage’s more typical lush tannins, giving this interesting contrast. The core sports solid currant and blackberry fruit, with ample length.—J.M.