This 2009 Talbot Bordeaux Blend from the St Julien region in Bordeaux, France is a wine that exudes elegance and complexity. With a deep red color that hints at its richness, this wine is a true gem for any wine enthusiast.
Upon opening the bottle, one is immediately greeted with enticing aromas of cedar, herbs, incense, and black currant fruit. These notes create a seductive and captivating bouquet that promises a fulfilling tasting experience. As the wine touches the palate, it reveals a full-bodied and generously endowed character that is both soft and supple. The silky texture of this Talbot is truly irresistible.
Renowned wine critic Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an impressive score of 91, praising its opulence and describing it as "extremely sexy." Parker's tasting note highlights the wine's softness, suppleness, and its potential to age gracefully for the next 20 years, making it a great addition to any cellar.
Alex Shaw, a respected critic from JJ Buckley, also gave this wine high praise with a score of 93. Shaw noted the dominant notes of mushroom, damp wood, earth, blackberry, and espresso aromas. While the wine is currently closed, its grainy tannins and lingering finish promise immense potential after 8-10 years of aging.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 91, highlighting its dark plum and blueberry compote notes, accompanied by dark cocoa and tobacco. The wine's fleshy feel and balanced finish make it a standout choice.
Wine Enthusiast also recognized the exceptional quality of this wine, awarding it a score of 93. The initial generosity of the wine gives way to a more solid and dense structure, showcasing ripe fruit and dark tannins. This wine is both delicious and tantalizingly tannic.
James Suckling, a highly regarded wine critic, awarded this wine an impressive score of 94. Suckling's tasting note highlights the aromas of cocoa powder and currants, which are followed by a full-bodied palate with ultra-fine tannins and a juicy, berry, and chocolate aftertaste. This wine is beautifully polished and is best enjoyed starting from 2018.
Decanter, a prestigious wine publication, awarded this wine a score of 93. The tasting note describes this wine as well-structured, with notes of smoke and cedar on the nose. The generous, ripe fruit structure and soft, well-integrated tannins make this wine highly enjoyable. While the 2005 vintage may better represent the heart of St-Julien, the 2009 Talbot offers a unique and pleasurable experience that is slightly atypical of the appellation.
Overall, this 2009 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a wine of exceptional quality and complexity. With its seductive aromas, silky texture, and the potential for long-term aging, it is a wine that showcases the best of what the St Julien region in Bordeaux has to offer. Whether enjoyed now or in the years to come, this Talbot wine is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur.