Château Talbot, 4ème Cru Classé, St Julien,

The 2014 Talbot is medium to deep garnet in color. Scents of blackcurrant jelly, Morello cherries, and licorice spring from the glass, followed by wafts of cumin seed, dried sage, and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate is firm and a tad skinny, with the rugged tannins dominating the finish.

The 2014 Talbot has a pastille-like purity on the nose: black cherries, raspberry, brown spices and a touch of leather. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy opening, fine acidity and a bit chewy with a slightly heady, alcoholic finish that you would equate to a warmer growing season. Maybe trying too hard? It feels like a wine that doesn't know what it wants to be and stylistically falls between the cracks. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.