1988 Chateau Talbot Grand Cru Classe 75cl / 12.5%

A bottle of 1988 Château Talbot Grand Cru Classé from Bordeaux's Saint-Julien appellation. Talbot was ranked a 'Quartrième Cru' in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is a large property of 107 hectares, over a hundred of which are given over to red grapes: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc.

'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.' Neal Martin, Vinous, 2018

This 1988 Chateau Talbot sold at our online auction for £55