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2nd Classified Growth in 1855
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What other Château more recognizable on the Saint-Estèphe appellation than Cos d'Estournel with its oriental style and pagodas? An exceptional wine with an identity of its own and which has nothing to envy to anyone. In 1811, Louis Gaspard d'Estournel acquired several hectares of vines not far from the place called Cos, or "hill of pebbles". He soon travelled all over the world to promote his wines, including as far away as the East Indies, where they were much appreciated by the maharajas. A reputation that will earn him the nickname of "Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe". Then, the works of Château will begin from 1830, offering the famous architecture inspired by the Far East, with the pagodas and the statutes of elephants.
His reputation is worth it to obtain the title of Second Grand Cru Classé to the famous classification of 1855 for the World Fair in Paris. Owned since 2000 by entrepreneur Michel Reybier, many technical renovations have been undertaken there, in order to always aim for more excellence and precision.
Today, the vineyard reaches an area of 100 hectares of vines, averaging 45 years old and planted two-thirds with Cabernet Sauvignon, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. They are used to produce the grand vin and the Second wine, the Pagodes de Cos. Some parcels are however planted with white grape varieties, Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, used to produce the white Cos d'Estournel and the Second wine, the white Pagodes de Cos.
They rest on a magnificent gravelly ridge that looks out over the Gironde estuary, two elements that allow for natural soil drainage and thermal protection against frost, respectively.
The wines of Cos d'Estournel offer a unique moment of tasting. They are complex, fine and deep, with a perfect balance between fruit and substance.
The 2012 vintage in Bordeaux is characterized by a summer marked by high temperatures and a great drought that followed a cool and very wet spring. From August, a certain climatic stability allowed the grapes to perfect their maturity. The harvest was carried out in a serene way, with a very selective sorting of the berries to keep only those of better quality.
Blend of the 2012 vintage: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
The color is a deep and pronounced red, with beautiful and brilliant reflections turning to tile.
On the nose, we find all the beauty of the terroir of the property, with concentrated notes of very ripe red fruits, raspberry and strawberry, blackcurrant, exotic spices and graphite.
This beautiful concentration continues on the palate, with an airy dimension brought by its freshness as well as a muscularity still present thanks to finely chiseled tannins. The flavors of cooked fruit and creme de cassis are exquisite and present until the finish which is precise, long and persistent.
Food and wine pairing:
Cos d'Estournel 2012 in magnum will sublimate a meat-based dish, and one thinks first of a matured rib of beef cooked on Medoc vine shoots. It will be perfect with a veal chop with garlic clove, a famous roast chicken or a lamb mouse confit with garlic.
It will go well with uncooked pressed cheeses such as Gouda, matured mimolette, Salers or Brie de Melun.
It will be perfect for dessert with a chocolate Bavarian cake, a tiramisu or Pierre Hermé's carrément chocolat.
Ageing potential and tasting:
Cos d'Estournel 2012 in magnum can still wait in the cellar for nearly two decades, reaching its peak between 2040 and 2045. Indeed, the large capacity of the format gives the wine a greater potential for aging.
However, it can be enjoyed today if properly prepared. To do so, take care to place the bottle in the serving room at room temperature the night before and open it. If not, open it and if possible decant it at least 6 to 7 hours before tasting.
The bottles should be kept in the cellar, protected from light, lying down, at an optimal hygrometric degree of 70%.
