CHÂTEAU TALBOT

Although the nose is firm and tight there is a richer sweeter feel on the palate. Bramble and bilberry give some freshness but the cassis and black cherry that show on the finish give it depth and richness. 2020-40 Rating: 88-90 Derek Smedley MW, www.dereksmedleymw.co.uk (Dec 2013)

Not much nose. Light and well mannered. Tannins well managed and rather supple and appealing already. 2016-2026 Rating: 16 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (May 2012)

Copious black currant, olive, unroasted coffee bean, forest floor and underbrush characteristics are present in this attractive, dark plum/ruby/purple-tinged offering. One of the lighter-styled 2011 St.-Juliens, the well-made Talbot can be drunk over the next decade. 2012 - 2022 Rating: 87-89 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2012)

The Talbot 2011 has a tight, slightly pinched bouquet with blackberry and sous-bois, but missing a little “energy” considering that Saint Julien is one of the year’s more consistent appellations. The palate is medium-bodied with light sappy dark berry fruit. The oak is nicely integrated although it is hampered by a rather dry, very conservative finish. It is not a bad Talbot, but it needs to evolve more personality. Rating: 86-88 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2012)

The blend here is Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Merlot 33% and Petit Verdot 5%. Dark fruit here, quite withdrawn, difficult to get to, showing some savoury tones when worked hard in the glass. This doesn't seem at all atypical for Talbot. The palate is supple, very elegant, pure, harmonious, a wine that certainly deserves examination. A very well defined palate, the tannins well judged, ripe and velvety, showing through with good acidity, but it all seems very harmonious, elegant and yet with substance, despite the lifted character of the fruit. This is really promising, especially for Talbot. I hope this character carries through into the bottle. Rating: 15.5-16.5 Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2012)

Dark cherry crimson. Cassis aroma, a touch dusty. Furry texture with thick tannins, freshness pulling it through on the finish. Nice density of fruit should fill out the frame as the tannins soften/clarify. 2018-2030 Rating: 16.5 Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2012)

Fine spicy cassis fruit and already showing smooth and elegant ripeness. It will open early but also keep well. Drink 2015-2025. Rating: 17 www.decanter.com (Apr 2012)

This has solid depth, with good winey currant and blackberry fruit at the core, picking up briar, anise and sweet tobacco as it moves through the finish. Rating: 89-92 James Molesworth, The Wine Spectator (Apr 2012)

Yet another example of the impressive quality of the St Julien classed growths in 2011, this is a deceptively forward blend, showing appealing aromatics, filigree tannins, cassis and cigar box notes and a fine, balanced finish with good oak integration. This won’t keep for ages, but it’s a delicious, old-fashioned claret. 8+ years. Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Apr 2012)

This is very fine for the vintage with a lovely blueberry and currants and spice character. Full body, with well-integrated tannins and a pretty finish. Rating: 92-93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Apr 2012)