2nd Grand Cru Classé 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 2017 vintage was marked by several climatic events, but the greatest terroirs of the Médoc, benefiting from the proximity of the estuary as is the case for Cos d'Estournel, were spared. The rest of the viticultural season, notably a beautiful warm and sunny summer, allowed the grapes to reach an excellent maturity at harvest time, with a very qualitative oenological potential.
Blend of the 2017 vintage: 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
The color is dense and deep, purple red with beautiful garnet highlights.
The nose is harmonious, offering notes of black fruits such as blueberry, blackberry and black currant, mixed with Sichuan pepper, gingerbread and roasted cocoa.
The attack is suave, the wine reveals very quickly a lot of substance and finesse, with tannins of great precision that make it exquisite. With a superb balance between acidity and flavors of creme de cassis, violets and praline, it has a long, opulent and persistent finish.
Food and wine pairing:
Cos d'Estournel 2017 can be paired with an appetizer such as duck galantine, as well as all types of meat dishes, including tournedos Rossini, pan-fried veal kidneys with mustard, roast pigeon, or even jugged hare.
Select uncooked pressed cheeses such as Gouda, aged mimolette, Salers or Brie de Melun.
It can also be served with several chocolate desserts, such as a chocolate praline cake, a chocolate and raspberry tart or coffee macaroons.
Ageing potential and tasting :
Cos d'Estournel 2017 needs time to mature, being able to wait between 2032 and 2037. However, it can be enjoyed today, having taken care to prepare it for the occasion. To do so, please open and decant the bottle 5 to 6 hours before tasting, at room temperature.
To follow its evolution over time, it is advisable to proceed with successive tastings to measure the evolution of the wine and its qualitative peak.
The bottles are kept in the cellar, protected from light, lying down, at an optimal hygrometric degree of 70%.
