Tasting Notes
Vinous 94
The 2014 Talbot is soft, silky and wonderfully nuanced on the palate. Much more refined from bottle than it was from barrel, the 2014 has moved toward greater finesse over the last two years. This is a lovely effort. Lifted rose petal and lavender notes add closing nuance. The blend is 62 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 35 % Merlot and 6 % Petit Verdot. Tasted two times.
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034
Robert Parker 90+
The 2014 Talbot felt reticent and tightly knit on the nose, so I placed my glass to one side and allowed it to aerate for 15-20 minutes. This paid dividends as it revealed blackcurrant, smoke and tobacco aromas, hints of boysenberry with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite structure and perhaps needing more flow. It feels a little rigid at the moment and I would want more persistence and depth on the finish. Let’s see how this ages in bottle, because it certainly showed improvement between samples in October 2016 and February 2017.
Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Crimson hue. Dense and dark with a floral iris-note on the nose. Still youthful and austere. Solid and reserved on the palate with a powerful tannic frame. Big and muscular and built to age but lacks a little charm. (JL)
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2040