The 2011 Talbot has a light and fragrant bouquet with red berry fruit, bell pepper and earthy notes, a touch of sage emerging with time. The palate is well balanced with a satisfying succulent on the entry, quite fleshy for a Saint-Julien in this vintage, not complexity but judiciously spiced and lively on the finish. For me, this Talbot overperforms in context of the growing season. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting. -- Neal Martin

59% cabernet sauvignon 38% merlot 3% petit verdot. Aged in 50% new oak. Notes of black cherry and cooked strawberry mix with aromas of forest floor herbs-de-Provence and cinnamon on the nose. Elegant and approachable on the palate the wine lacks some weight and with a high level of acidity the finish is short. Time may bring the overall package into balance but without the structure this feels too light overall. Enjoy 2015-2025.

Talbot’s dense ruby/purple color is followed by an attractive, spicy, earthy St.-Julien displaying hints of tapenade, black cherries and soil undertones in a forward, lush, round, seductive style. This excellent, medium-bodied 2011 should provide delicious drinking for 10-15 years. Talbot appears to have succeeded admirably in this vintage. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.