Chateau Cos d'Estournel

Saint-Estèphe

2ème Grand Cru Classé

last update : Sunday 08 January 2012

Cos d'Estournel is one of the most northerly great growths in the Médoc. Travelers taking the D2 road (the famous Route des Châteaux) cannot fail to be impressed by the extravagant 18th century oriental-style château with three towers reminiscent of Chinese pagodas.

In the Gascon dialect, cos means "pebbly hill". Indeed, Cos d'Estournel's terroir consists of on an impressive concentration of quaternary gravel on limestone bedrock. Making the most of the estate's varied topology, the ideal location for planting the different grape varieties was determined over many years. Merlot is planted at the foot of the rise, where it is well-suited to the limestone outcrops found there. Conversely, Cabernet is planted at the top of the rise, where the gravel is at its deepest.

Michel Reybier, owner of the estate since 2000, wishes to maintain the wine's fine reputation, while doing everything in his power to develop its potential even further. He is assisted in this by Jean-Guillaume Prats, the estate's current manager and son of the previous owner.

Cos d'Estournel is deep, concentrated, and ages well. However, its natural balance means it can also be appreciated young.

This 2nd growth greatly deserves its prestigious ranking in the 1855 classification.

In the Bottle

Since 2002, Château Cos d'Estournel has improved even further. Still as deep and complex, the "grand vin" has become even more charming and well-balanced, making it easier to enjoy young.

Château Cos d'Estournel's older vintages are rather concentrated and oaky, requiring at least 15 years to open up.

Thanks to its first class terroir and the care with which it is made, Cos d'Estournel definitely deserves its unofficial title as king of Saint-Estèphe - despite efforts by its dauphin, Château Montrose, to take its place! 2003 Cos d'Estournel is one of the vintage's greatest successes, worthy of a 1st growth. 2005, 2004, and 2002 Cos d'Estournel are truly remarkable.

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WINE PRODUCED BY THE ESTATE

Cos d'Estournel, Les Pagodes de Cos (second wine), La Goulée (from 2003), Cos Blanc (from 2007)

COMPARISON WITH AOC - SAINT-ESTÈPHE

Vintage	Absolute score	Relative score to the Appellation	Standard deviation

2009	95.0	103.8	3.26
2008	94.7	105.6	1.64
2007	93.9	105.7	1.53
2006	94.0	105.3	1.79
2005	92.5	105.5	3.5
2004	90.8	106.1	3.45
2003	93.4	107.1	3.69
2002	91.1	105.6	3.23
2001	89.2	105.1	4.99
2000	90.4	106.7	2.57
1999	87.8	103.9	1.87
1998	89.4	103.4	1.88
1997	88.9	104.1	4.34