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.
2004 was a year marked by drought in the Bordeaux vineyards. The flowering of the vines was rapid in the spring, while the summer season had neither too high temperatures, nor coolness, nor excessive rain or drought. The vines thus benefited from a good development to give birth to beautiful future bunches. The month of September was hot and dry, and allowed the different grape varieties to obtain a very good maturity.
Blend of the 2004 vintage: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc.
The color is a nice deep red, marked by brilliant garnet tinted reflections.
The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of ripe forest fruits, exotic spices, balsamic and cedar, accompanied by an elegant hint of cigar box.
The attack is elegant, the wine reveals very quickly all its density and a beautiful aromatic power supported by flavors of red fruits, pepper and tobacco. Evolving in a very complex way, with a fleshy matter and silky tannins, without ever losing its splendor, it melts delicately on a long and delicious finish. A great Saint-Estephe which does not fail to its reputation.
Food and wine pairing:
Cos d'Estournel 2004 will pair wonderfully with beef Wellington with black garlic, herb-crusted rack of lamb, crispy duck fillet, Iberian pluma a la plancha, or filet mignon with port.
For a match with cheese, choose uncooked pressed cheeses: Edam, Gouda, Saint-nectaire, morbier, Tomme de Savoie or Salers.
For dessert, enjoy it with a black forest, a Grand Cru chocolate tart or a praline and hazelnut dessert.
Ageing potential and tasting:
Cos d'Estournel 2004 can still wait in the cellar for another 5 to 10 years, as it is a great Saint-Estèphe de garde. Its peak will be reached between 2028 and 2032.
However, it can be enjoyed perfectly now. To do this, take care to place the bottle the night before in the serving room at room temperature and open it. If not, open it and decant it after 1 hour of opening, ideally 4 to 5 hours before tasting.
The bottles will be kept in the cellar protected from light, lying down, at an optimal hygrometric degree of 70 %.
