Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
89
"The 2001 Talbot is a little cleaner on the nose than the 2000, featuring pretty red berry fruit, wild hedgerow, balsamic and star anise scents and opening nicely with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with more pliant tannins than the previous vintage and a grainy texture. Just a little dry toward the finish, but there’s a pleasantly savory, oxtail-tinged aftertaste. Fine." -Neal Martin
Robert Parker
RP
89
"This may be the largest vineyard in the Medoc, with nearly 300 acres under vine. There was a period in the nineties where Talbot seemed to be a bit off form, but quality over recent vintages has displayed considerable promise. This estate is capable of producing very special wines, as anyone who has tasted their 1986 or 1982 can easily attest. The 2001, which represents only 50% of the production, is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. A dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by notes of smoked herbs, licorice, cedar, incense, plums, and black currants. The wine is medium-bodied and moderately tannic for a 2001, with good depth as well as power. Give it 2-3 years of cellaring and consume it over the following 12-14 years." -Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Jancis Robinson
JR
17.5
"Lustrous, shaded ruby with a rust rim. Really sweet, toasty nose and masses of fruit on the mid palate. Very alluring. Lots of evolution and complexity. Saline and mineral and quite long with a dry finish."
Decanter
D
91
"Colour-wise this wine has held itself together a little more than the 2000 vintage. The higher acidity could be down to the cooler nights in 2001, and this displays more grip and vibrancy through the palate. It definitely seems to have further to go on the palate – the fruit is black, tight and a little less expressive right now then the 2000. Nevertheless, this is still an extremely classic St-Julien, not hugely generous but with more intense menthol and cold ash notes. Well balanced. Aged in 50% new oak. A touch of Cabernet Franc makes up the blend."
Wine Spectator
WS
90
"Very perfumed with blackberry and light wet earth. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and a long, long finish. Rich and generous for the vintage. Much better than from barrel."
Wine Enthusiast
WE
94
"There is a great link here between the tannins, delicious red berry fruits and blackcurrants and the almost architectural structure. The wine certainly has fine fruit, a great balance, very complete, finishing gently, ripe and soft." -Roger Voss
Details
-
Vintage
2001
-
Size
750ml
-
Farming Practice
Traditional
-
Sweetness
Dry