The 2019 Talbot was one of the best recent vintages that I had tasted when a sample was sent to me last year, in no small part thanks to the appointment of Jean-Michel Laporte. The 2019 has a large proportion (69%) of Cabernet Sauvignon, higher than previous vintages. Bottled in May 2021, it retains that delineated, focused bouquet of blackberry scents and touches of pencil lead, hints of raspberry and cedar. Just classic Saint-Julien. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a superb line of acidity. Much more cohesive with more substance than prior vintages. There is a touch of spiciness toward the lingering finish, which reveals tobacco and gravel-like notes. Talbot made a great wine in 2019 and it will age with style. 14.1% alcohol 2026 - 2055

The 2019 Talbot is performing well, opening in the glass with aromas of earthy cassis, plums, burning embers and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and succulent, with powdery tannins, lively acids and a savory finish, it's Jean-Michel Laporte's second vintage at this sleeping giant of Saint-Julien. This will be an estate to watch closely going forward. drink 2027-2055 Of this estate's 110 hectares, occupying one large block, 94 are planted to red varieties. The grand vin consistently derives from the plateau's higher-altitude gravel soils, but other parcels make a contribution in some vintages (Talbot also own a solitary one-hectare block within the heart of Gruaud Larose that they are reluctant to part with). Historically, the density of plantation at Talbot was always rather low—because it was ploughed by oxen rather than by horse, Jean-Michel Laporte speculates—but new plantings these days are at 8,000 vines per hectare, with Merlot being replaced by Cabernet Sauvignon in the deep gravels. In 2006, modernization began, with lower yields, a later harvest and war on Brettanomyces (almost a house signature in the past). Laporte, formerly winemaker of Pomerol's La Conseillante, has continued his predecessor's work and seeks to bring a bit more mid-palate volume to the wine, increasing somewhat the percentage of new oak to 60%. 2019 is his second vintage at Talbot, and it's certainly impressive. Anyone who has tasted wines such as the 1945, 1982 and 1986 knows what Talbot can achieve, so this is clearly an estate to watch.

The 2019 is a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot, which represents the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in recent years. Talbot is often a little reticent at such a young stage and so it proved at this tasting, but there is excellent underlying quality here for those looking to lay down wines for ageing. Deep purple colour, slightly closed on the nose but with hints of pure black fruit slowly revealing themselves in the glass. There is an array of spice bursting to get out but for now the aromas are tight. It is on the palate this wine shows its class. A tightly wound ball of fruit reveals pure, unforced and elegant blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum. The tannins envelop everything for now, but they are fine, ripe and well managed. This is a wine of great potential, with savoury depth and a very long finish. Give this time and patience will be rewarded.

Ripe redcurrants and plums with violet and other flowers on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, polished tannins that are ripe yet firm. Pure fruit here. Pretty center-palate. Chewy finish. Give this at least five or six years to come around. Best after 2026.

Casting a deep garnet-purple color, the 2019 Talbot leaps from the glass with vibrant notions of crushed blackberries, boysenberries and ripe blackcurrants plus hints of pencil shavings, cardamom, incense and Ceylon tea. Medium-bodied, the palate is refreshing and nicely balanced, featuring a good core of crunchy black fruit and soft, approachable tannins, finishing with earthy restraint. 2023 - 2040