Château Cos d'Estournel, 2eme Cru Classé, St Estèphe, 2018

Tasting Note:

As we have already written for Pagodes de Cos, there has been a revolution at this revered second growth Chateau. Gone are the enormous powerhouse efforts, which to our palates lacked freshness and charm, and now the new regime has implemented a refined style with the emphasis on charm and detail. We weren't altogether convinced by the first few attempts. However, the 2018 is much more compelling. The bouquet offers notes of fruitcake, raisins, spice and ginger. It's really quite stylish and complex with attractive floral cassis and incense, decadent black fruits and ferrous minerals. This has real style and precision. The fruit doesn't feel heavy or overworked, it's natural and ripe, unforced, poised. We really like the energy and brightness of fruit, the way the tannins grip the palate and coat the taste buds with pure fruit. This is a very smart, haute couture Cos. Cos rediscovered. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.