Appellations

Cos d'Estournel 2013

St Estephe, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 2013 Cos d'Estournel has a fine bouquet: no vegetal signs here, clean and precise with blackberry, briary and iodine scents. While it does not possess this estate's usual complexity you have to admire the delineation interwoven into this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well judged acidity, a gentle grip in the mouth and well integrated oak. There is still some edginess on the grainy finish that will be addressed by another 3-4 years in bottle, but this is certainly one of the better 2013s and it should give 15 years of pleasure.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 28 October 2016

The Grand Vin is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc picked between 27 September and 10 October at 26.3hl/ha. It is being raised in 60% new oak and the alcohol level is around 12.7%. The fruit was sorted in the vineyard, two trips through the vineyard to weed out the millerande berries. I like the focus on the nose. It is not powerful but it is intense and very well defined with blackberry and cassis notes unfolding in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, a crisp level of acidity and overall, a somewhat relaxed feel, a nonchalant Cos d'Estournel that has accepted the growing season for what it is. It is actually cut from a similar cloth to the Montrose this year, although I find a little more persistency coming through towards the finish. This is a decent Cos d'Estournel that will need 4 to 6 years in bottle.

Score: 91 - 93 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 01 April 2014

Firm and tight with some spicy berry and cherry character plus hints of raspberries and minerals. Medium to full body. Citrusy. Wait and see.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 22 September 2015

A fresh, spicy young wine with a subtle fruit and tannin structure. Bright fruit and acidity. It’s like the 1985 but cleaner. I like the balance to this for the vintage. Only 12.7% alcohol.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2014

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Closed on the nose, very strong tannins binding everything together, great depth and concentration and power, yet at such modest alcohol. This is a rare advantage of 2013; flavour ripeness at lower alcohol. Pretty impenetrable at this stage. Deserves the same cellaring as a ‘normal’ vintage to give it the best opportunity. (17.5)

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2021-2033 Date: 01 April 2014

Rich colour, fragrant nose with fine aromatic complexity to come, robust and slightly spicy on the palate, leaner than usual, good long-term.

Score: 91 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2019-2030 Date: 01 April 2014

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep purple. An attractively complex nose with pure black fruit, cocoa and star anise character, following through onto the palate, immediately pleasureable and easy. Medium weight, with clean glossy fruit.

Score: 90 - 92 Albany Vintners, - Date: 01 April 2014

Cloves, cinnamon, menthol, plums and spices meld together in the 2013 Cos d'Estournel. Suave and silky to the core, the 2013 impresses for its balance and class. This isn't a huge wine, but all the elements fall into place effortlessly. In 2013, Cos is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2014