94
Jeb Dunnuck Tasting Note
Red and black fruits, spicy wood, graphite, spring flowers, and sappy herbs all emerge from the 2023 Château Talbot, a juicy, perfumed, lively Saint-Julien that has medium-bodied richness, integrated acidity, and fine tannins. Based on 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot and aged 16 months in 60% new French oak, it has beautiful purity and is a classic Talbot that will round into form with 4-5 years of bottle age and drink brilliantly over the following 30 years or more. Drink 2030-2056.
95
Wine Spectator Tasting Note
Generous and stylish, with a mouthwatering apple wood thread that curls in and around a core of gently mulled boysenberry, blueberry and blackberry compote flavors. Flashes of dried anise and cast iron flitter through, and the finish is long and grippy. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2027 through 2040. 30,000 cases made, 1,700 cases imported.
93
Vinous Tasting Note
The 2023 Talbot contains the highest proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon to date, at 77%. It was picked from September 13 to October 6 at 54hL/ha according to winemaker Jean-Michel Laporte. Matured in 60% new oak, this has a fragrant bouquet that, like one or two fellow Saint-Julien wines, discretely unfolds in the glass. Quite precise with blackberry, cedar and light pencil box scents, there is a Pauillac-like tincture here. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiseled, grainy tannins. It’s overtly classic in style, albeit with more mid-weight depth compared to some vintages of Talbot. Displaying fine cohesion and sapidity, this fans out on the finish, with a deft touch of white pepper livening things up. This is a very promising Talbot, and I may actually prefer it to the previous vintage.
95
James Suckling Tasting Note
Lovely, showing good depth for the vintage, with cassis, graphite and some roasted spices. Medium- to full- bodied, with fine-grained tannins and a long, vertical finish. A blend of 77% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 3% petit verdot. Better from 2028.
94
Wine Advocate Tasting Note
Offering up aromas of dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint, the 2023 Talbot is medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, with a rich but lively core of fruit, powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish. Harvested over the course of fully four weeks, it's a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot that attained 13% alcohol.