2003 Talbot (Ex Chateau 2019 Release)
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Talbot has an agreeable nose, relatively pure, not sur-maturité, simple but charming with kirsch and desiccated orange peel. There's warmth here, but the fruit is not stewed. The palate is medium-bodied with chalky tannins. There is a bit of over-ripeness, prune and dates toward the finish with brown spices and leather. Not bad, not as dry as others, but I would not leave bottles much longer. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 1% Cabernet Franc. First bottle TCA. Second bottle: brick hue. Light, leafy and smoky with berry, hedgerow notes as it opens in the glass (perhaps better to decant before). Surprising lift and freshness on the palate for this heatwave year. Lacks depth and power but juicy and constructed with a perception of fruit on the finish. (JL)
Black olive tapenade intermixed with red and black currants, new saddle leather, licorice and spice aromas are followed by a medium-bodied, juicy, succulent, fully mature 2003. There is no reason to defer your gratification any longer. Drink it over the next 3-4 years.
Bricky garnet. Dried fruit notes, spice and mocha. Tannins are fine and lithe and just the right side of dry. Unexpectedly juicy finish. (JH)
About the producer
Quality has not necessarily always lived up to this property’s Fourth Growth status, however there have been significant improvements in recent years, with a sustainable focus in the vineyard, and new winery and cellar.