A strong effort for Talbot, the 2005 is more showy and forward than most wines of this vintage. While there is plenty of tannin, it is sweet and well-concealed behind an intriguing bouquet of sweet herbs, licorice, smoked game, black currants, and cherries. This fleshy, medium to full-bodied St.-Julien exhibits a silky sweetness to its texture and tannins. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020+.

The Château Talbot 2005 has a very austere bouquet with antique bureau/mahogany scents infusing the tertiary black fruit. It opens nicely in the glass – certainly showing more vigour and fruit concentration than 2 or 3 years ago. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin and well judged acidity, but it just lacks a little complexity and concentration on the very austere finish. Classic in style, but it just needs more brio, more presence and authority.

Full medium ruby. Very primary nose of cassis, licorice, earth and leather, complicated by an almost exotic note of chocolate. Then suave, broad and dry, with a fine-grained texture and very good palate coverage. Doesn't currently show the lift or intensity of the best Medoc wines of the vintage, but offers a fleshy, solid impression and finishes with fairly sweet tannins for this property.

Dark, narrow rimmed red; ripe, cedary nose with a hint of herbal; nicely balanced, medium full, fresh and finely tannic wine; fresh, easy, flavoury, classic Left Bank cabernet based flavour; of moderate complexity and an attractive fleshy quality; no great class, but a good, solid, satisfying beverage, with a nice length of aftertaste. Now - 25+

The 2005 Talbot is dense ruby/purple, with moderately intense notes of forest floor, underbrush, and black and red currant fruit. It is slightly herbal, medium-bodied, not terribly complex, but has good sweet fruit, and a decent finish. This wine should drink well for another 15 years.

Fragrant and lively with a dry finish. Still some well-judged tannin. (JR)