All three vintages are some of the most balanced second wines from Chateau Talbot. With improved structure and mature stylistics, there are notes of liquorice and graphite, creamy texture, slightly grainy tannin, and more fleshiness and sensuality than elegance, but that's what second wines should be.
Lower marks like 84 Larsson- not wrong- the price is excellent for the great, simple 2013: lively red berries and herbs, earthy, light and supple palate, fresh berry fruit and a rounded finish. We awarded 2013 DD92 points.
For the 2015 bottle, Vin De Verte awards 92 points and commented, 'The nose is relatively powerful. It reveals fine notes of minty liquorice, cassis and Zan associated with a touch of blackberry, slight touches of mocha and a (very) discreet note of flowers. The palate is fruity, gourmand, relatively fleshy and offers a nice maturity/precision and a small density. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of blackberry, black cherry and a touch of plum associated with discreet notes of wild strawberry, a touch of liquorice, slight/discreet notes of chocolate and a toasted hint. Good length(edited).'
The 2017 bottle, also a 92 Vin de Verte, is 'aromatic and delicate, and it offers a refined concentration and a beautiful grain. It reveals notes of cassis, blackberry, cornflowers/flowers, fleshy strawberry and fleshy raspberry combined with discreet touches of liquorice, spices, colas, and a sensitive touch of grey pepper. The palate is fruity, mineral, well-balanced, racy, precise, slightly tight and offers a delicate juiciness, a good definition, freshness, and suavity. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of fleshy cassis, ripe red berries and slight notes of ripe / crushed redcurrant associated with delicate touches of ripe wild raspberry, racy minerality, flowers (cornflower, lily), racy minerality as well as discreet touches of liquorice, sweet spices and dark chocolate on the finish/persistence. Tannins are fine. Good length. Edited'
According to our tasting, 2018 is the most fruited since the 2012 vintage. Still, 2018 needs some time to integrate for the best result. It has a classic spectrum frame(red cherries, tomato, spice, hints of black tea and vanilla) pointing to the Sangiovese(50%) that deftly combines with Cabernet and Merlot to form a light-medium-bodied blend with a touch more acidity and liveliness. The composition is balanced with the Merlot(15%), which compensates for better ripeness and body or fatness; Cabernet (35%) supports the density and structure of Sangiovese's bright and aromatic personality. It nurtures from 12-month ageing in quality oak barrels; 10% is new French oak, and 90% is used oak for one year. The winery is very modern. From Panzano, the Gold Basin of Chianti is 360 meters high, hence the structure and acidities, with Super Tuscan stylistics and price for 'the mass'.
If decanted nicely, an entry-level Super Tuscan this young like this 2018 will eventually give a depth of mixed red/black plums and currants lovely fruit flavours. After that, it becomes focused and layered and shows lots of complex herbs, wild brush, leather and rosemary, but behind that is a core of umami like soy, mushroom and salty finish. It is framed by excellent acidity, making it a well-balanced, long, unique Super Tuscan structure. Scores are consistent, like 93AG, 93RP, and 93JS.
Winemaker Stephane Derenoncourt, one of Bordeaux's most renowned winemakers, crafts the wine with Bordeaux influences, including ageing in French oak, 20% new, to produce a luscious mouth-feel. This wine is one of the best values in the marketplace.
It has a youthful appearance(deep ruby, tight rim, blue-purple hue), while the colour is not intense. Delicate nose, good purity of fruit. Some aromatic herbs, such as cassis and cherry, rather than dark berries here. Light hint of oak and cedar wood. Good grip on the palate. It still appears tight and unresolved, but it has good proportions. With ample and ripe tannins, there is pure fruit. I think it is pretty elegant notes of black currant and red currant. It has length. The oak is rather discreet initially, but I get some delicate roasted notes at the end. And it is persistent and keeps lingering for a good while—a pretty long finish. Fine freshness. So, I call this potent wine for further cellaring. It should open up and show its full potential in another two to three years. I like the purity of fruit; I like the freshness of it. One size smaller than the most outstanding vintages. However, it should be a wine that pleases Bordeaux lovers for relatively early drinking—the right time to crack a bottle.
The score is understated and is adequate to convince a reasonably good quality. WE92.This estate is being improved and is owned by a family branch that also holds nearby Château Pontet-Canet. The 2013 is attractive, with ripe fruit and delicious acidity, supported by a firm, dry backdrop of solid tannins. Drink from 2020.
