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Cos d'Estournel 2015

St Estephe, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot, Cabernet Franc 1.5% with 39% destined for the Grand Vin, the smallest proportion ever. Under the new direction of Aymeric de Gironde, like the 2014 there is a move towards more elegance and refinement, so less extraction and less new oak (65% for the 2015). Certainly this is a lighter styled, fresh and fragrant Cos with beautiful complexity on the nose, spicy black fruits mixed with clove oil, nutmeg and a hint of blood orange. Medium intensity of pure crisp black fruits in the mid-palate but this is long and fine with a racy finish.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 27 April 2016

The 2015 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc that was picked between 17 September and 5 October at 44 hl/ha. It is being matured in 65% new oak, less than in recent years due to the tannin (IPT is 71). Deeper in color than the 2015 Pagodes, it has a very pure bouquet with tightly knitted blackberry, blueberry and violet scents, perhaps just a little Margaux-like in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well-judged acidity and harmonious in the mouth. What it does not quite deliver is the complexity of a top-tier Cos d'Estournel or the peacock's tail of flavors on the finish, which feels linear and conservative compared to its peers in more southerly appellations. You feel as if the vintage put a tight leash on this Saint Estèphe grandee. There is pedigree in this Grand Vin for sure and it is bound to give up to 20 years of pleasure.

Score: 92 - 94

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2022-2040 01 April 2016

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc. IPT 71. 65% new oak. Extremely dark crimson. Lovely spice and breadth. Hint of tobacco leaf with lots of ripe fruit. Very comfortable. A lovely pair of slippers. Real tension and ripeness - great combo. Nothing forced. Ethereal and builds towards the end. Certainly has the graphite ingredient. 13.4%

Score: 18 - 19

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2024-2040 01 April 2016

This shows what great selection did in the northern Mêdoc. Big surprise. Really excellent. Full body, chewy and rich tannins and loads of ripe fruit. Black currants, blue berries. It has hot and ripe tannins yet cool fruit.

Score: 97 - 98

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 01 April 2016

A wine of cool sophistication and polish, the 2015 Cos d'Estournel is endowed with striking length and overall balance. Silky tannins support a core of graphite, smoke, licorice, incense, tar and dark spice. The 2015 is perhaps not as aromatically nuanced or expressive as in the very best years (although that may develop in time), but it offers terrific persistence through to the finish. Finesse and nuance are the key signatures in the 2015 Cos. Only 39% of the crop went into the Grand Vin, as opposed to the more typical 50% or so.

Score: 92 - 95

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com 01 April 2016