2001 Chateau Talbot
By Chateau Talbot
2001 Chateau Talbot from Chateau Talbot, St-Julien, Bordeaux
In the revered canon of Bordeaux vintages, the millennium brought forth climatic challenges that underscored the adroitness of esteemed producers like Chateau Talbot. Their 2001 Chateau Talbot from Chateau Talbot is illustrative of such deft handling, as its terroir in St-Julien triumphed over nature's whims with striking aplomb.
The Strength of St-Julien: A Vintage's Tale
The year 2001 tendered a scuffle between vine and climate wherein an unexpected cool season in Bordeaux saw winemakers anxiously coaxing their harvests into refinement. The 2001 Chateau Talbot from Chateau Talbot emerges as a testament to the resilience and precise viticulture employed by this acclaimed estate. With more than two decades passed since its inception, this particular vintage has flourished into maturity with both grace and vitality.
A Dance of Elegance and Depth
Tasting the 2001 Chateau Talbot evokes reveries of leisurely strolled French gardens at dusk—the bouquet is a medley of dusky rose petals infused with hints of forest floor and cedar. A sip reveals depth; autumnal fruits mingling with structured tannins yield an elegant yet commanding presence on the palate. Its finish, enduring and harmonious, assures that while others speak, 2001 Chateau Talbot from Chateau Talbot resonates.
Perfected by time, this wine's investment potential follows suit—a true collectible for any discerning portfolio. As collectors eye vintages with historical significance and characterful evolution, 2001 Chateau Talbot stands as a strategically sound acquisition, its story interwoven with that of the year's unique conditions.
The 2001 vintage's narrative for St-Julien is one of overcoming adversity, which mirrors the very essence sought after by seasoned investors: wines that not only endure but also transcend their origin years. In doing so, they become looking glasses through which we may observe the alchemy of time upon vineyard and vintner alike. It is within this storied bottle that one uncovers not just wine—but legend.
Current market price
£630.00
12x75cl
Highest score
89
POP score
70
Scores and tasting notes
This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years.
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2004