Ch.Talbot 1996 1500ml

Wine Advocate #122, Apr 23, 1999
I tasted this wine three times in January, rating it 88, 89, and 90 with similar tasting notes. The wine is close to being outstanding, exhibiting a saturated dark ruby color, and excellent aromatics, consisting of black fruits intermixed with licorice, dried herbs, and roasted meat smells. It is full, with impressive extract, a fleshy texture, low acidity, excellent purity, and a long, deep, chewy finish. This 1996 will be drinkable at a young age, yet keep for 15-20 years. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2017.

Chateau Talbot is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Chateau Talbot is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. It was classified as one of ten Chateau Talbot is a winery in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. Chateau Talbot is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. It was classified as one of ten Quatremes Crus Classes (Fourth Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.
No fewer than 1,800 barrels repose in this monastic atmosphere. Lined up in the cool half-light, the cellar is maintained at 16°, where they mature the wine in every sense of the word. 14 months of aging in 50 to 60 percent new barrels originating from eight different coopers.
The choice of cooper, the length of aging, and the pace of racking vary, based on the style and development of the various lots. Regular tasting of the wines determines these choices; aging is adapted to each wooden tank’s character until final blending.
Red wine from Talbot is typically a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (66%), Merlot (26%), Cabernet Franc (3%), and Petit Verdot (5%) - the vinification includes 18 months maturation in small oak barriques (50% new).