Appellations

Cos d'Estournel 2011

St Estephe, Second Growth

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Estimated price Actions
£1,200 per Case Bottle (75cl) 0 - £800 - £1,200  per Case [Add to waiting list]
Scores:
Robert Parker Jancis Robinson Albany Vintners Wine Spectator Neal Martin Decanter
90 - 92 17 - 90 - 93 93 - 95 18
Tasting Notes:

A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc cropped at 36hl/ha, the 2011 has a pleasant, sedate bouquet that is well defined, perhaps missing a little tension and animation, but replete with succulent blackberry, cassis and violets aromas that render it light and feminine. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly furry tannins on the entry. The acidity it keen and citric, lending this more vigour than Montrose, whilst the finish has fine precision and length. Jean-Guillaume has fashioned a very fine Saint Estèphe for the vintage. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 93 - 95 , erobertparker.com Date: Monday 30 April 2012

Because of a smaller than normal crop as well as the elimination of vineyard parcels devastated by the hail storm of September 1, production for Cos d’Estournel in 2011 is the smallest since 1991. Production for the 2011 Cos d’Estournel (65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc that achieved 13.5% natural alcohol) is about 30% of their normal volume. An outstanding effort, this deep ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits notes of lead pencil shavings, black currants, boysenberries, cedar and earth. Made in a traditional style with more acidity and noticeable tannin than in recent years, this medium-bodied, pure 2011 should drink nicely for 15+ years.

Score: 90 - 92 , Wine Advocate Maturity: 2012-2027 Date: Friday 27 April 2012

Rich blackcurrant fruit, slightly exotic Cos spiciness, structured smoothness and lovely elegant length.

Score: 18 , Decanter.com Maturity: 2017-2035 Date: Monday 16 April 2012

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc. Just 30% of the crop went into the grand vin. Inky with black core and bright dark purple rim. Stunning colour. A touch of raisiny fruit. Dry, powdery tannins but quite dense and very firm. Powerful but cool. Long - the length is more structure than flavour or aroma. Needs to take on flesh. A bit hard on the finish. (JH) 13.5% (17+ Points)

Score: 17 , Jancisrobinson.com Maturity: 2022-2035 Date: Monday 16 April 2012

Lilac and violet aromas quickly give way to dark toasted spice and black tea notes, followed by remarkably creamy-textured cassis and plum compote flavors, all offset beautifully by a hint of bitter cherry and tamarind on the finish. There's a saturated feel that shows no hard edges. A touch languid rather than driven, but this wine tends to put on weight and gain greater focus as it ages. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 90 - 93 , Wine Spectator Date: Wednesday 11 April 2012

Very dense and structured with spices, currants and berries and an underlying spiciness. Full body, with chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Structured. Firm. Slightly hollow center palate. Excellent considering the difficulty St. Estephe had with hail and early harvesting.

Score: 92 - 93 , Jamessuckling.com Date: Sunday 01 April 2012