Cos d'Estournel Blanc 2016

Dry Whites

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Actions
Tasting Notes

The 2016 Cos d’Estournel Blanc, which was bottled in July 2017, has a slightly muted nose that demands encouragement. Attractive lime flower, white peach and hints of frangipane develop with time, though I was hoping for just a touch more precision vis-à-vis its showing in barrel. The palate is well balanced with fine salinity on the entry. There is a light marine/oyster shell influence here, as well as fine depth and moderate length. This will probably drink well over the next decade, possibly more. 12.75% alcohol.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2030 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Cos d'Estournel Blanc is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon that was picked between 12 September and 10 October, matured in a very modest 7% new oak. It has a fragrant bouquet with lemon curd, lime flower and just a hint of grilled almond. The palate is very well balanced with fine mineralité on the entry. Fine tension here, although I would like to see it develop more persistence on the finish, which just cuts away a little swiftly at present.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2029 Date: 28 April 2017

The 2016 Cos d'Estournel Blanc offers a striking interplay of ripe fruit and fresher, more citrus-driven notes that contribute freshness. A hint of reduction adds attractive tension and nuance throughout. The Blanc was fermented and aged in mostly neutral oak (7% new), with some lees stirring, but no malolactic fermentation.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2019-2024 Date: 01 January 2019

Cos d'Estournel has done a terrific job in preserving a good deal of freshness with the 2016 Blanc. Citrus, floral notes and a touch of reduction convey energy and tension, both hard to come by in 2016, a vintage in which high temperatures created less-than-ideal conditions for whites. The Blanc is fermented and aged in neutral oak, with some lees stirring, but no malolactic fermentation. The Blanc is shaping up to be a success for the vintage. Production is down by about a third because of the severe selection that was required.

Score: 89 - 91 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 25 April 2017

Another Médoc white to bear in mind when selecting this year. A 75% Sauvignon Blanc, 25% Semillon blend, the team picked over the course of four outings, right through to 10th October having started on 12th September. This is far enough up in the northern Médoc to get full estuary breezes, and with extreme selection the crop is one third less than last year. The aromatic precision is lovely, a fresh, clean line of citrus and white peach flesh that opens up and peels itself back through the palate.

Score: 93 Decanter, - Maturity: 2019-2030 Date: 25 April 2017

Just 5500 bottles are made of the 100% Sauvignon Blanc that aims to compete with the best whites from Graves. Grass, melon and a touch of peach, crisp and refreshing.

Score: 92 - 94 Albany Vintners, - Date: 19 April 2017

A layered and deep white with beautiful fruit giving mango, sliced-lemon and green-pineapple character. Full-bodied and so flavorful. Love the phenolic balance. One of the best dry whites of the vintage.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 24 March 2017