Juicy and youthfully compact, with bramble-edged cassis, plum and blackberry flavors, lined with licorice snap and tar details. The grippy back end shows good energy, with latent acidity adding length. A buried bolt of iron adds range. Rock-solid. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Best from 2022 through 2038. 25,000 cases made.

The 2017 Talbot is medium to deep garnet-purple in color with aromas of cedar, black cherries, mulberries and warm blackcurrants with touches of earth, tree bark and herbs. The palate is medium-bodied, firm, grainy and muscular with an earthy finish.

A balanced, structured wine, this has berry fruits, rich tannins and a dark core of dryness. Everything is in place for the wine to age well. Drink from 2024.

Ripe blackcurrants, chocolate, tobacco, and a touch of damp earth all emerge from the 2017 Chateau Talbot, and it's a medium-bodied, balanced, nicely textured 2017 that's well worth drinking. With well-integrated oak, solid mid-palate depth, and a clean, classy style, it should evolve for 10-12 years, easily. The 2017 is 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, brought up in 50% new French oak.