The 2010 Talbot Bordeaux Blend from St. Julien, Bordeaux, France, stands as a notable example of the region's wine-making prowess. Produced by Talbot, this red wine comprises 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, harvested between September 29 and October 4, 2010. With an alcohol content of 13.5%, it presents a deep garnet color.
Professional reviewers have lauded the 2010 Talbot for its distinctive characteristics and overall quality. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it a score of 91, noting its "maturing scents of fruitcake, Chinese five spice, and cigar box, plus hints of dried mint, pencil lead, and chargrill." The review also highlighted its "medium to full-bodied palate" with "a light grip of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing savory."
James Suckling offered high praise with a score of 93, describing the wine as "super focused and firm with a bright and intense fruit." He emphasized its "full and super silky" texture and "long, long finish," calling it "super straight and beautiful" and stating, "This is better in 2010."
Alex Shaw from JJ Buckley provided the highest rating of 94, appreciating the wine's unique earthy aromas of "coffee, chocolate, earth, and wild mushroom," along with its dark fruit. Shaw noted the wine's "definite power on the palate" and its "big and structured" nature, supported by ample acidity. He concluded that while the wine exhibits more power than elegance, it remains "lively."
Wine Spectator also rated it 93, highlighting its "plump and rather open" profile with "delicious plum, raspberry, and black cherry fruit melded with spice and anise." The review mentioned a "nice chocolaty finish with a velvety feel."
Neal Martin's Wine Journal gave it a 92, praising the 2010 Talbot for its "refined bouquet" and "purity that perhaps has been missing from the estate in recent vintages." Martin described the wine's palate as "impressive" with "a newfound sense of mineralité and elegance."
Wine Enthusiast, with another 93 score, recognized Talbot's progress, stating, "This wine shows black currant fruit, with just the right balancing acidity." Reviewer Roger Voss commended Talbot's efforts to "bring out its fine terroir."
Overall, the 2010 Talbot Bordeaux Blend is a critically acclaimed wine, celebrated for its complexity, balance, and potential for aging.
