2009 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien

Aromas of cocoa powder and currants, follow through to a full body, with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, berry and chocolate aftertaste. Lovely polish to this.

A well structured wine with smoke and cedar edging to the aromatics, a generous, ripe fruit structure and soft, well-integrated tannins. It has clear appeal. At this stage, the 2005 seems to better encapsulate the heart of St-Julien but the 2009 offers an extremely enjoyable wine, even if less typical of the appellation.
Tasted by Jane Anson (at BI Wine's 10 Years On Tasting, London, 07 Feb 2019)
Part of Producer profile: Château Talbot

Extremely sexy, soft, supple and opulent, with notes of cedar, herbs, incense and black currant fruit, this is a full-bodied, generously endowed but silky Talbot to drink now and over the next 20+ years. By any standard of measurement, this is irresistible.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 29/02/2012
Extremely sexy, soft, supple and opulent, with notes of cedar, herbs, incense and black currant fruit, this is a full-bodied, generously endowed but silky Talbot to drink now and over the next 20+ years. By any standard of measurement, this is irresistible.

This is the most impressive Talbot since the 1982 and 1986. It reveals an opaque plum/garnet/purple color as well as knock-out aromas of black fruits, cedar, incense, licorice, and a Provencal garrigue-like character. Substantial, sexy, and seductive, it is almost slutty in its exuberance and ostentatiousness. It was a thrill to drink this loaded St.-Julien. It should offer irresistible drinking over the next 20-25 years. (Tasted two times.) (92-94)

Bright ruby-red. Slightly rustic aromas of musky black raspberry, black cherry, dark chocolate, leather and game. Sweet, glossy and pliant, with lovely intensity and lift to the flavors of dark cherry, cherry pit and spices. Hints at the horsey quality typical of this chateau but boasts terrific enveloping fruit and noteworthy sweetness. Finishes with broad, plush tannins and excellent length. One of the top few Talbot vintages of the last 25 years.

Dark plum and blueberry compote notes lead the way, followed by dark cocoa and tobacco. A fleshy feel runs throughout, with a stony edge adding length and balance on the finish. JM

The 2009 Talbot has a much more modest bouquet than the Gruaud Larose, missing the same horsepower and fruit concentration, airy in style, attractive but not as memorable as others. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, and a fine bead of acidity. Quite linear and conservative but with satisfying precision on the finish. It is a classic Talbot that should give 25 to 30 years of pleasure, though not the best amongst its peers. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits Ten Year On tasting.

Ruby red with inky highlights. Floral and perfumed on the nose, displaying delicate red berry and red cherry aromas. Then muscular and a little monolithic on the palate, with flavors of red cherry, bell pepper and cedar that are currently a bit camouflaged by sweet oak. Finishes youthfully tight but pure and long, with plenty of tongue-dusting tannins and pretty black pepper and mineral elements.

Tasted blind. Smudgy crimson. Fairly low-key, mature nose. Lovely round, flattering fruit. Very 2009 and much more mature than any St-Estèphe 2009 just tasted. A little bit of heat and alcohol on the end. (JR)

[65CS/30M/5PV] Mineral and ripe black fruit nose; a very nice balanced Talbot - one of the best for a long time; a rich, fleshy yet well defined middleweight with abundant fruit and very soft tannin; long and even and quite complex to taste, with the plump, smooth textured ripe fruit defined by a nice freshness plus a gentle pebbliness, and finishing with wonderful length of fruit and subtle spice. Richly fruity rather than 'fine', but I think this will be absolutely delicious relatively early. Stefan Derenoncourt's influence clear here, and his style of vinification seems to suit Talbot's particular round and fruity style of claret. 2016-30