2013 Chateau Talbot 4eme Cru Classe, Saint-Julien

Dark ruby. Delicate pomegranate and violet nuances complement red berries and an aromatic leafy component on the nose. Light and lively on the palate, showing attractive inner-mouth perfume to the red and dark berry and cedar flavors. Finishes fairly persistent, with youthfully chewy tannins. If you don't mind lighter-bodied clarets, this young Talbot ought to hold plenty of appeal for early drinking.

The 2013 Talbot is missing some fruit concentration on the nose and consequently it seems a little dusty and dour. The palate is better: medium-bodied and providing more pleasure than the aromatics with red and black fruit, cedar and cigar box notes and quite driving acidity towards the finish that imparts freshness on the finish. If those aromatics can take flight in bottle, then this will deserve a higher score. It is a lightweight at the moment although Talbot does have a tendency to gain weight with age.

Lightish ruby with a pale rim. Savoury, dark-fruited aroma. Cassis and cedar on the palate, the texture chalky but smooth. Moreish and fresh on the finish. The tannins are more dense than in some St-Juliens tasted alongside – but not obdurate. (JH)