I tried this wine tonite with overpriced (courtesy of US import quotas) NZ lamb chops. After trying my fruit forward 86 Montrose, I thought I'd try this. I had suspicion about the storage (or shipping) on some of my 86s, so I picked the one botlle of four 86 Talbot with the lowest fill (at the neck).
The cork had black (mold?) growing on top third, and the top of the bottle was heavily encrusted, but the bottom of the cork was in good condition. I turned this upright four hours before serving, and noticed no sediment in the wine when I opened and poured. The color was deep red to purple, and the nose revealed a little fecal, ripe olive and tar, and a little vegtal (bell peppe?). Definite sweet cherry flavors underneath a lot of tannin. Finish is still very bitter. Definitely overpowered the very nice lamb chops. Lamb and Medoc? Maybe with a mature Medoc. I'll try the rest of the bottle tomorrow with beef.
I don't know what has happened to MY Montrose, al of which is drinking well now, but my Talbot seems to live up to the reputation of the vintage. Give it another five years.
Alas. I do not undestand the appeal of young Cabernet Sauvignon. This one is just becoming drinkable now.
Tom Schellberg