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Colour
Red
Vintage
2010
Producer
Chateau Cos d
Country
France
Region
Bordeaux
Sub Region
St Estephe
Product code
23COS1B2010
Grape Variety
Cabernet Sauvignon / Merlot
Tasting Notes
Robert Parker
Score: 95-97 / 100 Robert Parker2010 Cos d'Estournel: 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.
Jancis Robinson
Score: 18.5 / 20Very dark indeed. Glossy blackish purple. Very intense, with some freshness. Still extremely young but with almost brutal mulberry(fruit and massive tannins but no suggestion of overripeness. Very ambitious.
Wine Spectator
Score: 96-99 / 100This 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.
Bibendum
Score: 18 / 2078% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Last year's Cos divided critics who either loved or hated its exuberant Douro-crossed-with-Napa style. This year, it makes a welcome return to St Estephe. The 2010 is powerful and rich with polished tannins and very ripe fruit, but there is more restraint and less sweetness than in 2009. The oak is obvious too with hints of mocha and dark chocolate but that will integrate with time. This will turn out to be a very impressive wine.
James Suckling
Score: 96-97 / 100This 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.
Producer Information
The name Cos d'Estournel is derivative of caux, itself derived from colline de cailloux, meaning 'stony slope'. Owned by the d'Estournel family in the 1800s it was ranked Deuxieme Cru Classe (Second Growth Bordeaux) in the great classification of 1859. The unique sandstone design of the building makes for a particularly interesting site; Oriental pagodas sit proudly yet look conspicuously alien. This original design reflects Louis Gaspard d'Estournel's many travels in the Orient and beyond, which brought him the nickname of the 'Maharajah of St Estephe'. The cellars sprout tall pagodas, whilst the doorway; decorated with vines, grapes, and flowers, was sent over from the Palace of Zanzibar. The wines were exported to similarly exotic places, in particular India. Historically bottles of Cos d'Estournel graced the tables of Queen Victoria of England, Tsar Nicolas I of Russia and Emperor Napoleon III of France.
In the vineyards (70 hectares), Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for 60% with the remaining 40% Merlot. Only those of more than 20 years provide fruit for the grand vin, with others destined for the second wine, Les Pagodes de Cos. Numerous changes in ownership have occurred, with continued development and investment; as shown by restoration of the cellars and installation of new equipment. Today, under management from Jean-Guillaume Prats, there is even a white of which there is only 1 example (first released in '07). This goes by the same name and is 80% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Semillon, only 250 cases were made! Clearly this is a fascinating chateau which holds much appeal due to its history and development since original ownership.
