Château Cos d’Estournel

Château Cos d’Estournel

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Between Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, separated from Château Lafite by the stream known as La Jalle du Breuil (The Breuil Brook), the hill of Cos dominates the Gironde from the height of almost 65 feet. Bordered westward by the Atlantic ocean and eastward by the Gironde, the vineyard of Cos d'Estournel benefits from a mesoclimate. That acts like a temperature regulator, thus avoiding extreme temperatures.

The vineyard of Cos spreads around the château on 173 acres and is divided among 30 parcels. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines (60% of the vineyard) find the soil of their choice in the thin layers of gravel situated on the top and on the southern slopes of the hill. On the other hand, the Merlot vines (40% of the vineyard) excel on the eastern slopes and on the slopes where the Saint-Estephe limestone bed shows on the surface. Plantation is extremely dense (8,000 to 10,000 vines per hectare) and the average age of the vineyard is high (35 years old). The result is a preponderance of vines with very deep root systems and low yields, creating the "Grand Goût".

Latest News

 

Cos d’Estournel 2010

May 13th, 2011

Cos d’Estournel’s 2010 reviews have been stellar.  Here’s a summary of some of the major press:

“Representing 55% of the production and cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, Cos d’Estournel’s final blend in 2010 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest tiny portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Compared to the massive 2009 (14.6% natural alcohol), the 2010 achieved slightly less alcohol, but also a lower pH, which accounts for its more tannic, backward, huge style. An inky/purple color is accompanied by aromas of damp earth, black currants, blackberries, licorice and charcoal. Firm, thick and super-concentrated, it is another outrageously impressive wine that will require 6-10 years of cellaring. It should keep for 30+ years. It is somewhat 2005-ish in its structure and palate impression.” 95-97 Robert Parker

This offers a terrific panoply of dark tea, cocoa, savory herb and red currant confiture aromas. Remarkably dense, with loads of strapping dark fruit and tar in reserve. There’s massive structure, yet this is rounded and so, so long. A huge wine in the making. This is going to compete with the elite of the vintage. A truly superb effort. Contains 1 percent Petit Verdot, for first time since 2005.” 96-99 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

“This is a classic Cos, with wonderful layers of ultra-polished tannins and wonderful character of spices, currants and minerals. I love the finish and raciness to this. Lots of pedigree.” 96-97 James Suckling

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