Talbot 2018 (100th Anniv Label) (750ML)

91-93 Points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Talbot is just a little reduced to begin, opening out to reveal notions of warm red and black currants, baked plums and mulberries with touches of sautéed herbs, tilled soil, fallen leaves and unsmoked cigars. Medium to full-bodied, it has commendably ripe, fine-grained tannins and restrained, earthy layers on offer in the mouth with an herbal lift on the finish." 4/19

92+ Points, Neal Martin, Vinous: "Not only is the 2018 Talbot the first vintage in which Jean-Michel Laporte was fully in charge, but it comes in a uniquely designed bottle to celebrate the centennial of ownership by the Cordier family. Fortunately, its contents make the grade. This Talbot is well defined and focused on the nose, offering blackberry, bilberry and cedar scents and an attractive floral component that becomes more evident with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied and cohesive, with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity and good depth. Layers of blackberry and cranberry fruit intertwine with cedar and touches of graphite on the finish, completing an excellent Talbot that may improve further with bottle age." 03/21

91-94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous: "The 2018 Talbot is super-refined and nuanced from start to finish. Powerful yet also impeccably refined. Talbot is a wine of real character and glass. Savory Cabernet Sauvignon inflections of grilled herbs, cedar, tobacco, menthol, licorice and coffee all add shades of nuance. At times, Talbot can be a bit light. Not in 2018. Simply put, the 2018 Talbot is stellar. Tasted two times." 04/19

96 Points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com: "Rich aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, chocolate, tobacco and licorice. Oyster shell, too. It’s full-bodied with firm, well integrated tannins. Polished, silky layers with a long finish. Gorgeous ripe and bright fruit in the center palate. Best in a long time. Try from 2025." 01/21

95 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This is densely packed with ripe macerated fig, blackberry and plum fruit flavors supported by tar and bramble notes that meld steadily through the finish. Notes of applewood and anise flash throughout. For the cellar. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2023 through 2036. 21,665 cases made." 03/21

93-95 Points, Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast: "This balanced, stylish wine is full of a dark berry flavor and juicy acidity. The dry core of tannins is integrated and cushioned by the fruity nature. The wine is already showing its fine future." 04/19

94 Points, Jane Ansen, Decanter: "Clear depth right off the first nose is evident, with swirling black cherry and blackberry fruits and grilled cedar. Caramel creaminess here also, with black chocolate edging. This is excellent-quality, with bristling tannins that are just at the beginning of their life. 60% new oak." 11/20

93-95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com: "This estate is on a roll and the 2018 Château Talbot might just be the best yet. A deep purple/blue color is followed by a mammoth-sized bouquet of crème de cassis, dark chocolate, tobacco, and lead pencil. Rich, full-bodied, and powerful, it nevertheless stays pure, balanced, and elegant, with a beautiful finish. Its tannins are ripe and integrated, it has balancing acidity, and this is unquestionably another beautiful vintage for this estate." 05/19