2012 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien

A strong effort from Talbot, this sexy, medium to full-bodied, richly fruity 2012 exhibits lots of creme de cassis, licorice, roasted herb and spice box characteristics in an evolved yet elegant, round, lush style that was surprisingly seductive and disarming. This offering stood out as one of the stars of St.-Julien. Drink it over the next 12-15 years.

Structured and chewy with ripe fruit and spices. Full-to-medium body, with an attractive center palate and a long finish. Not quite at the level of 2011 but outstanding.

Deep ruby. The pure aromas of cassis, violet and minerals just scream Bordeaux. Fresh and energetic on the palate, with suave flavors of dark berries, minerals and dry herbs. This captivating Talbot has lovely length and balance. Very well done: this is one of the biggest Left Bank successes in 2012.

A juicy style of wine, Talbot’s 2012 has a dense ruby/purple color, plenty of black and red currant fruit, a touch of plum, soft tannin and a spicy, medium-bodied mouthfeel. It is excellent, with no hollowness or astringency. This is a very successful wine in this vintage and should drink well for 15-20 years.

The grapes were picked at Talbot from the 1st until the 18th October and the Grand Vin is a blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, the same assemblage as the previous vintage. The nose is nicely focused with blackberry and cedar aromas, perhaps like some other Saint Juliens, demonstrating a Pauillac-like personality that I wonder whether will be present after bottling. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannins and a pleasant citric edge of acidity. It is more cohesive than the 2011 with plenty of fruit on the finish suggesting this will become a commendable wine for the vintage. I think this is the first where I feel consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt has had a hand in ameliorating this Saint Julien property. Tasted April 2013.

Another fine St-Julien: fragrant, ripe but fresh dark fruit. Harmony of fruit and structure, the tannins firm but not dry. Acidity pinches just a little on the finish. (JH)

59% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot. Gently aromatic in a classic rather than explosive sort of way. Juicy and fresh on the palate but without huge depth and drive. A bit like the 2008 but with more precision and a little more fruit. (JL)

Drink 2018-2027 Purple with a pale rim. Tarry nose. Then sweet palate entry. A little muted. Respectable but a bit dull. Fades away on the very dry finish.