Cos d'Estournel: The Distinctive Super Second

Renowned 2nd growth Château Cos d'Estournel, located in Médoc's Saint-Estèphe region, has captivated wine enthusiasts for over two centuries. Established in 1811 by the intrepid Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, the estate quickly earned him the title "Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe," a nod to his thriving export trade to India and his penchant for Eastern aesthetics. From the carved wooden door imported from Zanzibar to the ubiquitous elephant motifs, the château, inside and out, reflects Louis Gaspard's love of global exploration. Even the estate's unique pagoda-shaped structures set it apart from the traditional architecture prevalent throughout Bordeaux.

This distinctive character extends to the wines themselves, which are known for their polished, concentrated style that diverges from typical Saint-Estèphe rusticity, showcasing the estate's exceptional terroir and innovative winemaking techniques that have earned it critical acclaim and a reputation as one of Bordeaux's most esteemed producers.

Château Cos d'Estournel: Wine Style

Cos d'Estournel's style diverges from the rustic character typically associated with Saint-Estèphe wines, instead focusing on a more polished and concentrated expression. The estate's name, "Cos," is derived from an old Gascon term meaning "hill of pebbles," referring to the vineyard's clay and gravel soils that greatly impact the wine's style. These soil compositions allow Cabernet Sauvignon, and the complementing varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, to showcase in powerful and complex Cabernet-dominant blends.

While long considered a Super Second, with quality rivaling that of First Growths, Cos d'Estournel's style has further evolved since Michel Reybier's acquisition of the château in 2000. Under Reybier's ownership, this critically acclaimed winery has consistently raised the bar, producing two 100-point wines and reaching new heights over the past two decades.

Château Cos d'Estournel: A New Era of Excellence

Reybier's meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of excellence have transformed Cos d'Estournel. In 2008, a complete cellar renovation focused on flexibility and minimal intervention, resulting in 84 gravity-fed vats of various capacities. This modernization allows for individual plot vinification, accommodating the vineyard's 19 different soil types and exerting greater control over the final wine.

The results have been impressive, with Cos d'Estournel consistently earning scores of 98 points or higher since 2014. The estate's success is not solely due to cellar improvements; its exceptional terroir near the Pauillac border, neighboring Chateau Lafite, plays a crucial role. The predominantly gravel soil perfectly suits Cabernet Sauvignon, with vines averaging 40 years old and some plots over a century old.

Cos d'Estournel: Best Wine Vintages

Cos d'Estournel's recent vintages have been nothing short of exceptional. Here are some standout years:

• 2016: An exceptional triple 100-point vintage, showcasing the estate's potential for perfection.
• 2018: A powerful and opulent year, demonstrating the château's ability to balance concentration and elegance.
• 2020: Earning multiple 99-point scores, this vintage celebrates Reybier's 20th anniversary at the helm. It offers silky tannins and luscious black fruit, with Jeb Dunnuck praising its "almost Lafite-like sense of elegance and class."
• 2022: Though still in barrel, esteemed critic Jeb Dunnuck described it as "one of the finest wines to ever pass my lips," hinting at another exceptional release.

Special 2020 Bottling: Celebrating A New Era of Excellence

The 2020 Cos d'Estournel is a remarkable release that celebrates the 20th anniversary of Reybier's stewardship. The bottle itself is a work of art, featuring a radiant label adorned with gold-etched pagodas, elegantly reflecting the château's iconic architecture. The eye-catching label is reminiscent of the gold-etched 2000 Mouton & distinctive 2015 Margaux.

Cos d'Estournel Wines: Other Distinct Wine Styles

• Les Pagodes de Cos: the estate's second wine, which offers a more approachable expression of the terroir while still maintaining the house style.
• Cos d'Estournel Blanc: a highly regarded white wine, a rarity in the red-dominated Médoc, featuring 70% Sauvignon Blanc and 30% Semillon, described by the estate as "keen, impetuous, and powerful"