Cos d’Estournel is a vineyard and winery in the Saint-Estphe appellation of the Mdoc. In the 1855 Classification, it was classified as a second growth and remains one of the most prominent and sought-after of all Bordeaux wines. Historically, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant grand vin has had a high percentage of Merlot compared with other Mdoc growths, although this has lessened in recent years. Cos d’Estournel is dark, brooding and tannic when young, developing complexity and intensity with time.

The estate is situated in the very south of Saint-Estphe, just north of Pauillac’s Lafite Rothschild. The south-facing vineyard slopes gently down to the Jalle du Breuil stream which separates it from Lafite. In old Gascon, “cos” means “hill of pebbles”, and the vineyard does consist of deep Quaternary gravels and clay on limestone bedrock.

Appellation:
AOC Saint-Estephe, Bordeaux

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Grape Varieties:
65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes:
(Robert Parker’s rating: 94 points)
The deep garnet-purple colored 2011 Cos d’Estournel gives up compelling notes of roasted nuts, black cherry compote, blueberry pie and red and black currants with touches of yeast extract and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, very firm, grainy textured and with a great core of youthful black fruits, the palate reveals loads of savory layers on the very long finish. This is very youthful and slowly maturinga very impressive showing for this vintage!