Castle Talbot - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinifera

4 / 5

the5/31/2016

Corps chatoyant, au fruité intense. Précis dans sa construction, il plaît par sa dimension tactile très soyeuse, son fruité généreux et très pur et sa finale particulièrement savoureuse.

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

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.

Bettane & Desseauve

17-17,5 / 20

the4/28/2016

Brillant, onctueux, finement épicé, long et suave, grande structure. Robe de grande année, nez précis, corps fondu, racé, assez tendre par rapport à la puissance du retour du tannin, vin de classe, de caractère et ayant retrouvé la pureté aromatique qui lui a parfois manqué.

Vinous

90-93 / 100

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.

Decanter.com

91 / 100

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

The Wine Cellar Insider

91-93 / 100

the4/20/2016

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

timatkin.com

91 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

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 / 100

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

René Gabriel

17 / 20

the4/10/2016

Aufhellendes Granat mit mittlerer Dichte, feiner Rand. Eine der hellsten Farben aller Saint Juliens. Schwarzbeerige Frucht, aber mehr Würze als Frucht zeigend, Lakritze, Tabak leider auch ein paar blättrige Noten sind da mit drin. Im Gaumen saftig, elegant und - für den Jahrgang 2015 - doch eher zu leicht. Aber insgesamt auf der sehr angenehmen Seite. Gastronomischer Talbot. 17/20 2020 – 2040

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

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 / 100

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.