The 2023 Talbot Bordeaux Blend from the St Julien region in Bordeaux, France, is a promising red wine with a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot. This vintage is notable for its complex character and depth, as highlighted by several esteemed wine reviewers.
James Suckling awarded the wine a score of 95, praising its "medium- to full-bodied" nature and "very fine tannins." He describes it as "firm and structured," with a "bright, dark-fruited character" and a "lingering finish" that is "really polished" (jamessuckling.com).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score of 94, notes the wine's aromatic profile of "dark berries, baking chocolate, plums, espresso roast and crushed mint." The wine is described as "medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy," with "powdery tannins and a long, penetrating finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Vinous also awarded this vintage a high score of 95, describing it as "powerful, deep and impressively resonant." The review mentions dark-toned fruit, new leather, and dried herbs, suggesting "terrific depth and intensity" (Vinous).
Jane Anson highlights the wine's "brilliantly juicy but understated" character, mentioning notes of "cassis, blueberry, mint leaf, cocoa bean, espresso and powerful grilled fennel" (janeanson.com). Jeb Dunnuck echoes this, noting the presence of "smoky red and black fruits, leafy herbs, truffle" and the wine's "pure, elegant mouthfeel" (jebdunnuck.com).
Decanter points out the "highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend in recent memory," leading to "cool cassis and blueberry fruit" and a "richness" on the palate. However, they also note "some tannic austerity" in the finish (Decanter).
Overall, the 2023 Talbot is a well-received vintage, praised for its depth, structure, and potential for aging.
