It's my gut feeling that the 1986 is, along with the 1982, the finest Talbot made at this estate since the legendary 1945. The fact that there are 40,000 cases of this wine is good news for the consumer, as there will be plenty to go around. The wine, which has been so special since the first taste from cask, is classically structured, with a penetrating fragrance of peppery, spicy, weedy black currants and tar, an enormous concentration of flavor on the palate, and staggering length. The tannins are noticeable, but they are ripe tannins, somewhat softer than those found in many of the 1986 Medocs. In comparison with stablemate Gruaud-Larose, the Talbot is more developed and flattering to taste today. This should prove to be an extraordinarily long-lived wine, and, as are virtually all the Cordier wines, a marvelous value for your money. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020.

A fabulous wine, and one of the two greatest Talbots of the last 50 years, this wine still has a very murky garnet/plum/purple color and a spectacular nose of sweet creme de cassis intermixed with freshly ground pepper, melted road tar, herbes de Provence, and beef blood. It is followed by an enormously concentrated wine of full body, layers of concentration and sweet tannin. The wine seems to be just hitting its plateau of maturity, where it should last for at least 10-15 more years. A prodigious Talbot. Anticipated maturity: Now-2020. Last tasted, 6/02.

In a word, gorgeous. The ferocious tannins of the vintage have melted away but still linger in the background, providing structure to its plum-like fruitiness. Hints of cedar peek out. Despite being another bold expression of Talbot, it maintains a graceful profile. Fresh and youthful still, you’d never guess it’s 38 years old. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc.

This exceptional charmer is deep ruby with a brick rim but less yellow than the Figeac. The nose is extremely opulent by any standards, but especially for this vintage. The flavour is deeply intriguing in a classical way. It's full and spreads comfortingly over the palate. Complete, concentrated and very successful for a Talbot, although the acidity became more obvious in the glass and there was a very slight hint of something metallic on the finish. (JR)