Vertical Tasting of Château Cos d'Estournel

TASTING REPORT

At the Oenoschool workshop, we were able to enjoy a tasting on the theme of Château Cos d'Estournel, 2nd grand cru classé of Saint Estèphe. 7 different vintages from 1985 to 2002, with an additional Montrose 1998...A lovely evening!

[Tasting Report and rating by Didier Frayssou]

Cos d'Estournel 2002 **** The robe is little evolved. A nose of forest fruits, still slightly oaky, the palate is ample and quite concentrated for the vintage's reputation. The tannins are fleshy and relatively melted, a very approachable wine today but with still 5 to 10 years of aging potential.

Cos d'Estournel 1997 ** A relatively evolved robe of medium intensity, the nose is very open (tobacco, pepper, stewed fruits), the palate is relatively lean with its vegetal notes (peppers), the finish is quite short. A pleasant bottle, ready to drink, but faithful to the image of this vintage, a bit light and with a ripeness deficit of the grapes.

Cos d'Estournel 1998 ***(*) Robe marked by the beginning of evolution, slightly exotic nose (raspberry, cinnamon), the palate is fleshy and sensual even if the tannins are still present.

Montrose 1998 **** The robe is quite close to Cos d'Estournel, the nose is very closed at opening and the palate is strict. With aeration, the nose asserts itself (tobacco, graphite, black fruits...) and the palate gains flesh and length in a straight and refined style however less seductive than Cos.

Cos d'Estournel 1993 ***(*) Evolved robe, the nose is quite spicy and warm for the vintage, the palate is harmonious without vegetal notes and quite sunny for the vintage, a good surprise.

Cos d'Estournel 1986 The nose is oxidized, the wine on the palate seems to have quite a bit of matter, a suave and still tannic wine but unfortunately a defective bottle.

Cos d'Estournel 1989 ***(*) Slightly meaty and smoky nose, with notes of red fruits and jams. The palate is relatively mature and harmonious with melted tannins but it lacks a bit of brilliance for such a vintage.

Cos d'Estournel 1985 ****(*) Extremely complex nose (bacon, tobacco, sweet spices, dried flowers...), the palate is equally complex with still volume, beautiful length and silky tannins. Unquestionably the wine of the evening, a great Bordeaux at full maturity.