2005 Talbot

The 2005 Talbot was picked from 22 September until 10 October. Having tasted this several times, this might be the best bottle. Deeper in colour than other vintages, it offers much more fruit: blackberry, bilberry and raspberry tinged with cedar and a faint estuarine tang. These aromatics just have more substance than other vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity. It is not the most complex 2005 Saint-Julien but there is grip and matière, notes of soy and black pepper lining the finish that will benefit from another two or three years in bottle. Very fine. Tasted at the centenary Château Talbot vertical at the property.

Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Correct, well balanced and refreshing nose. Very well mannered but arguably a bit too discreet. Chunky tannins. Very drying end. (JR)

The 2005 Talbot is dense ruby/purple, with moderately intense notes of forest floor, underbrush, and black and red currant fruit. It is slightly herbal, medium-bodied, not terribly complex, but has good sweet fruit, and a decent finish. This wine should drink well for another 15 years.