Château Talbot - Saint-Julien 2003

"On s'en rappellera comme l'année de la canicule et si les températures vécues furent exceptionnelles, la végétation n'eût pas à en souffrir car des pluies suffisantes pour la vigne même au coeur de l'été, gomèrent le côté négatif de ces extrêmes.
De ce fait, nous connûmes une réaction rarement rencontrée sous notre micro climat médocain : une coulure importante à la floraison, suite à des conditions climatiques par le coup défavourable (froid, pluie) suivie d'un temps plus que chaud et humide.
Conséquence de tout cela: une petite récolte, avec une surconsommation de soleil et de degré celsius.
Des Merlots à point mais rares, suivis de Cabernet Sauvignons exubérants d'arômes et de couleurs, se laissèrent cueillir de bonne heure, à la mi septembre heureux de rejoindre l'ombre des cuviers et la fraîcheur des celliers.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 29/08/2014

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

par Robert Parker le 24/04/2006

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

par James Suckling le 31/03/2006

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

par Robert Parker le 29/04/2005

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

le 30/06/2004

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

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

par Robert Parker le 29/04/2004

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.