2001 Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe, Bottle (750ml)

JA95 "Gorgeous, a clear step up from the 2000 vintage as it approaches its second decade. This is not quite ready to drink, although a few hours in a decanter could open it up sufficiently. It's full of intense, tight and spirited black fruits, replete with this château’s signature richness of structure, which seems to ooze naturally through the tannins. There's a real sense of energy and zest, with liquorice, slate, spice, cassis and black cherry. The second half of August was hotter in 2001 than 2000 in St-Estèphe, and the grapes were left to reach a long, slow maturity. Harvesting did not begin until 1 October when the nights were getting cooler –this will have helped the wine keep its remarkable freshness. Matured in 80% new oak." JA for DR Jul 2018

RP94 "The 2001 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot—a very high percentage of Merlot in this vintage and a very late harvest, which started on October 1st. Deep garnet in color, the nose is singing with savory notes of smoked meats, tapenade, bay leaves and beef drippings with a core of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, dried cherries and baked blackcurrants with wafts of peppermint tea and dried roses. Medium-bodied, the palate practically tingles with vibrant dried herbs, red fruit preserves and minty notes, structured with firm, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and minerally." LPB for TWA Nov 2018

Robert Parker writes, "One of the candidates for the wine of the vintage, Cos d'Estournel's 2001 is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, amongst the highest percentage of Cabernet of any recent year." BT 94-96Pts
Administrator Jean-Guillaume Prats, an articulate young man who leans toward the more progressive school of winemaking but still has one foot rooted in the traditions of the past, thinks this wine will have to spend longer in barrel before it is bottled without fining or filtration, The color is inky purple and the wine offers up an impressive nose of melted licorice intermixed with camphor, graphite, creme de cassis, blackberry, spice box, and toast. The wine is medium to full-bodied and pure, with superb concentration, a multi-layered texture, and a finish that goes on for close to a minute. There is wonderful sweetness yet profound elegance and length in this terrific 2001! Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025." Published: Apr 22, 2003