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.
2005 is qualified, not without pretension, as the "vintage of the century" for the Bordeaux vineyard. All the climatic conditions were favourable to give birth to a great vintage: a season marked by constant sunshine without excessive heat, and an alternation of hot days and cool nights in August and September which allowed the berries to obtain a magnificent quality.
Blend of the 2005 vintage : 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
The robe is a deep dark red color with beautiful tile-like highlights.
The nose overflows with intensity with greedy notes of very ripe black fruits, blackcurrant, wild berries and kirsch cherry, which are followed by leather, cedar of Lebanon and blond tobacco.
The attack in the mouth is supple, the wine reveals very quickly a mastered tannic power and a lot of generosity, illustrated by sublime flavors of roasting and ripe red fruits. It lasts a long time, supported by a particularly pleasant acidity and freshness, before finishing on a long delicious finish.
Food and wine pairing:
Cos d'Estournel 2005 will be a perfect match with roast lamb from Pauillac, a Chateaubriand with a Perigord sauce, sliced venison with boletus mushrooms, or a jugged hare.
It goes well with uncooked pressed cheeses such as Gouda, Edam, Saint-Nectaire or Tomme de Savoie.
For dessert, enjoy it on an Opera cake, a chocolate sponge cake or a pear and chocolate fondant.
Ageing potential and tasting :
Cos d'Estournel 2005 will reach its tasting peak between 2025 and 2035. However, it can be wonderfully enjoyed now, by being opened and decanted 4 to 5 hours before tasting, so that it can open up fully.
To follow its evolution over time, do not hesitate to proceed to successive tastings to measure the evolution of the wine and its qualitative peak.
The bottles will be kept in the cellar protected from light, lying down, at an optimal hygrometric degree of 70%.
