Professional reviews
Robert Parker (94)
One of the best Talbots over recent years, and possibly the best since the 1986 and 1982, this sexy juggernaut of a wine struts forth with an opaque plum/ruby/purple color and terrific notes of creme de cassis, licorice, roasted herbs and smoky barbecue. It is a brilliant effort, with full body, wonderful fruit, a savory, expansive mouthfeel, sensational texture and a long finish, but no hardness or astringency. This is a fabulous Talbot to drink over the next 20-25 years.
Winespectator (91)
This features a fairly plump core of crushed plum, blackberry and mulled boysenberry notes, coated with tar and driven by a strong graphite accent. An echo of pastis lingers on the finish, displaying good latent grip.
Jancis Robinson (17)
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot.
First bottle TCA. Second bottle: deeper colour and generally a more youthful aspect than the 2009. Dense, firm and restrained with a dark-fruit nuance. Solid tannic frame but no aggression, the tannins fine and backed by generous fruit. More freshness than the 2009 and overall better balance. Built for the long haul. (JL)
Vinous (92)
The 2010 Talbot is consistent with the vertical in December 2018 with blackberry and briary on the nose, not quite clicking into fifth gear but nicely poised. The palate if very well balanced with cedar and graphite infused black fruit leading to a conservative, "correct" finish. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
Decanter (94)
Rich, vibrant nose. Milk chocolate, cherries and soft floral scents. Bouncy and grippy. A lovely bright aspect but with quite a serious, streamlined core so you get cool, fresh blueberry and tangy raspberry fruit with high acidity married to lean, mineral-edged, straight tannins. Subtle weight and good structure. Flavour goes all the way to a long finish although it's marked by quite a mineral, salty, liquorice edge.
Rene Gabriel (18)
Rene Gabriel rates this wine 18/20 points.
BOW (8.75)
