2015 Chateau Talbot
By Chateau Talbot
2015 Chateau Talbot from Château Talbot, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France
The celebrated Médoc estate of Château Talbot presents us with a splendid example of the St-Julien appellation in their 2015 vintage, crafted in a year that demanded the adroit hands of seasoned viticulturists coupled with the benevolence of nature. My dialogue with this wine commenced upon its release, and I have eagerly followed its evolution to date.
Vintage Context: A St-Julien Gem
The year 2015 was graced with a near perfect growing season, following the historic rhythms of Bordeaux’s climate. As a result, the wines from this year possess an attractive equilibrium and generosity that speak volumes of their storied origins. The 2015 Chateau Talbot carries this heritage forward with poise and finesse.
Tasting Notes: Elegance In The Glass
This wine exudes a core of succulent black currant and cherry fruits, ensconced within a fragrant bouquet of violets and tobacco. The palate revels in layers of complexity, offering nuances of graphite, cassis, and subtle oak influence that testifies to astute barrel maturation. Fine tannins furnish structure without overshadowing the wine's inherent charm—an assured sign of meticulous winemaking.
Upon decanting, one notices an alluring freshness and vitality belying its age; these are virtues accentuated by the particular climatic conditions of 2015 in St-Julien. The precision and depth here are worthy descriptors for collectors and investors alike. A judicious integration of fruit, acidity, and tannic spine affords this vintage a remarkable canvas for ageing gracefully.
St-Julien’s Investment Prestige
For the astute wine investor, the 2015 Chateau Talbot stands out as a compelling proposition. Its harmonious expression epitomises the strengths of its appellation and is underscored by the estate's commitment to quality. Discerning collectors would do well to note the potential for this vintage to adjoin the ranks of long-lived Bordeaux classics.
In summation, Château Talbot has once again reaffirmed its pedigree with the 2015 vintage from St-Julien—an exemplar looking ahead with both allure and substance to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and pragmatists alike.
Market price (USD)
$770.00
12x75cl
Highest score
92
POP score
52.5
Scores and tasting notes
This distinctive wine puts a slightly chewy and austere note of warm stone alongside the vintage’s more typical lush tannins, giving this interesting contrast. The core sports solid currant and blackberry fruit, with ample length.—J.M.
Wine Spectator - James Molesworth - winespectator.com
Forward, floral and comparatively easy to drink, even from barrel, this is light, pure and attractive, all red fruits and tobacco leaf with textured tannins and well handled oak. Not profound, but appealing stuff. Drink: 2020-28
Tim Atkin - timatkin.com
The 2015 Talbot has a very typical nose for this Saint Julien estate: unapologetically classic in style, reserved even, with very subtle blackberry and briary scents tinged with pencil shavings. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, moderate weight in the mouth, but it feels very linear and conservative towards the finish. Talbot rarely shows well out of barrel and can improve in bottle, so I will be a little more optimistic in my score and hope that it gains matière during élevage.
Neal Martin - eRobertParker.com, #224, April 2016
Scented of crushed black raspberries, black cherries and currants with touches of herbs, garrigue and aniseed, the medium garnet-purple colored 2015 Talbot is medium-bodied and taut with firm, chewy tannins and an earthy finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 21 February 2018
A Stéphane Derenoncourt wine. Mid crimson. Fragrant. Not concentrated but fresh and vital on the nose. Absolutely classic claret for early drinking. Or airlines!
Jancis Robinson - jancisrobinson.com