1988 Talbot, St-Julien

Dark plum/garnet/ruby, with more color saturation than the 1989 or 1990, this wine has notes of new saddle leather intermixed with smoked beef, tapenade, vanilla, and an almost chocolatey mocha character. Some moderate tannins still need to be integrated, but this medium-bodied wine has excellent grip, depth, and overall character. As it has aged, it seems to have developed more personality, depth, and style than the more highly renowned 1989. (RP) (1/2003)

The 1988 Talbot is a vintage that I had not tasted for a long time. Now at 30-years old, it has a slightly paler colour compared to the 1988 Gruaud Larose with faint bricking on the rim. The bouquet is very attractive with bright soy-tinged red fruit, sandalwood, clove and a touch of antique bureau. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, soft in texture with soy-tinged (again) red fruit, finely judged acidity and a classic, traditional cedar-tinged finish that is maybe just a tad too bitter, though this might be offset accompanied by suitable cuisine. One for those that like traditional Saint Julien, although I would drink bottles in the near future. (NM) (5/2018)