Chateau Cos d'Estournel St Estephe 2010

"The 2010 is a more structured, restrained, less flamboyant version of the 2009. A final blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that hit 14.5% natural alcohol, this wine (which represents only 55% of the estate's production) is full-bodied, classic and built along the lines of the 2000 (although that wine was made before Reybier acquired the estate and upgraded quality significantly). This wine exhibits beautifully pure notes of creme de cassis, blueberry liqueur, pen ink, graphite and hints of toast and vanillin. The wine is full and rich, and although aged in 80% new oak, the wood is a subtle background component. This beauty will take longer to round into shape than the dramatic and compelling 2009. Forget it for 5-8 years, and drink it over the following three-plus decades." - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, March 2013

Technical Information:
Vineyards: St-Estèphe, on the border with Pauillac
Grape Varieties: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc
Drink: Now to 2035

Château Cos d`Estournel is named after its 19th century owner, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, who built the bizarre oriental edifice that today is a landmark for any tourist in the Médoc. Cos d'Estournel is without doubt the leading estate in St-Estèphe, located on the border with Pauillac and its vineyards are superbly sited on a south-facing gravel ridge with a high clay content, just north of Lafite. Cos d'Estournel is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc although a relatively high Merlot content these are full-bodied, dark, brooding tannic wines when young which develop a complexity and intensity that can rival many top growths from Pauillac. In 1998 the Prats family sold Cos d'Estournel to The Tailan Group. Cos d'Estournel is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé.

Cellar Master: Dominique Arangoits
Winery Location: St-Estèphe | Bordeaux
Annual Production (bottles): 380,000