Talbot St-Julien 1996

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "An old favourite, although some bottles have shown a little funky elements in the past, possibly Brett. Happily there is no such problem with this bottle, which is really on form. The appearance in the glass is mature, a dark yet mahogany tinged hue at its core, with a thin and dusty rim. The aromatics are super, exactly what you might look for in mature Cabernet, with layers of black bean and soy sauce at first, atop black tea leaves, black liquorice and toast, along with a little menthol freshness which contrasts nicely against the wine’s attractive sense of decay. The palate is cool, tense, sinewy and finely grained, warm and peppery. It is spicy and medium bodied at best, leading into a long and lightly chalky structure, the tannins still adding a little bitterness here. Long and lovely, this is a fine result at this age. Drink or hold. The declared alcohol is a very precise 12.8%. (Sep 2021)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "In terms of weather in this vintage, bud-break came on 25 March after a cold start to the year, followed by a mixed May then a heatwave in June that saw good flowering. July was cool and wet for the first half, hot and dry in the second half, then August alternated between rain and a heatwave. There was fine weather again in September and most of October. All in all, it was a very good vintage for the Médoc. At this stage the colour is firmly in the rich claret zone - ruby red, not overly intense but full of life. The wine is very enjoyable and has that lovely St-Julien signature of rich black fruits floating over a bed of air, as the acidity in the Cabernet takes flight. This gives it a sense of poise and confidence, and again the signature mouthwatering finish. It's not going for intensity and punch, but for complexity and elegance without sacrificing fruit - there are dark, spicy notes in here. It sits with you, dealing out slowly but surely the idea of balance. This wine is the epitome of why St-Julien is not Pauillac, and never will be. No Cabernet Franc in the blend here, nor in the younger wines tasted in this lineup. Served in bottle. In the wider world, François Mitterrand died in 1996, Bill Clinton was elected for his second, more scandal-hit term, and Dolly the sheep arrived in the world. Drinking Window: 2018-2040. (Dec 2018)"

92+ points Richard Jennings: "Dark red violet color; smoky, black fruit, berry, tobacco nose; silky textured, tasty, concentrated, cassis, tart plum palate with some complexity; medium-plus finish. (4/26/10)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "Lots of blackberry, licorice and light tar aromas. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and a long finish. This needs time.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008. (3/31/07)"