Dominique Arangoïts and his team have found a winning formula at Cos d’Estournel. Since 2016, the new expression of Cos has been dialled down, focussing on precision and purity. Critics, merchants and collectors have reacted positively to this new style, with strong demand and a run of impressive scores.
The 2019 is a continuation of this theme. Lisa Perrotti-Brown is clearly a fan, describing it as “a vinous masterpiece in the making”. James Suckling is equally ebullient. The release price is 23% lower than the mighty 2018, so not as generous as the discounts offered by Pontet Canet or Palmer, but it still makes this an attractive proposition for fans of this high-flying ‘Super-Second’. They’ve also released their 94-95 point second wine, Pagodes de Cos.
Read More“Harvest for the grand vin began on the 23rd of September and finished on the 7th of October. Composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot (with no Petit Verdot or Cabernet Franc this year), yields for this wine in 2019 were 43 hectoliters per hectare, and it is aging in 55% new oak. It came in at an alcohol level of 14.02% and an IPT of 67. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2019 Cos d'Estournel soars out of the glass with vibrant black raspberries, Black Forest cake and crushed blackcurrants scents plus nuances of red roses, wild sage, dark chocolate and cast-iron pan with a waft of woodsmoke. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut, muscular and built like a skyscraper, with firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the concentrated black fruit flavors, finishing with incredible length and depth. This wine so beautifully, clearly captures the juxtaposition between the periods of dry heat and those hallelujah moments of refreshing rain - the hallmarks of this great vintage. It's a vinous masterpiece in the making. 97-99+/100”. - points Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“A very powerful and structured Cos. It’s full and layered, but not overpowering in terms of fruit. It’s more about the abundant, very fine tannins. It’s a classic wine with historical grip and power. Real Bordeaux. Sophisticated and provocative. 98-99/100”. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
Pagodes de Cos
“This is really minerally and salty with spices, such as cloves. Full-bodied, yet tight and beautiful. Chewy, yet focused and bright. Very integrated. Hard not to drink. 94-95/100”. - James Suckling, jamessuckling.com