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Cos d'Estournel 1990

St Estephe, Second Growth

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Tasting Notes

The 1990 Cos d’Estournel is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years. I have always had a soft spot for the 1990. It does not disappoint with gorgeous scents of clove, bay leaf, and warm gravel that are almost Pomerol-like in style. The palate is fresh and lively. This 1990 is very well balanced and eschews the warmth of that summer and allows the terroir to shine. It grips the mouth and offers black truffle and sage towards the slightly grainy textured finish that lingers on the palate. What a sublime Cos d’Estournel. Well-kept bottles will be giving immense pleasure although, you can envisage this lasting another fifteen years, possibly twenty. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical at the property.

Score: 95

Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2018 - 2035 01 October 2018

Not as concentrated as the 1982, or as most of the vintages made since 2001, the 1990 Cos has reached full maturity. It exhibits sweet berry fruit intermixed with spice box, herbs, and spring flowers. Expansive, round, and sensual, with wonderful purity as well as lushness, this irresistible wine can be enjoyed over the next 6-10 years.

Score: 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2009-2019 01 June 2009

The 1990 will charm tasters with its flashy display of opulent Merlot (about 40% of the blend) mixed with ripe Cabernet Sauvignon. It was one of the more forward 1990s in the tasting, which no doubt accounted for its precocious showing. This super-concentrated wine possesses a roasted herb, sweet, jammy black fruit-scented nose, with noteworthy opulence and succulence. Pure and full-bodied, this concentrated wine conceals more tannin than it is presently revealing. The wine is open, flattering, and impossible to resist. It will continue to mature for 15-20 years. Last tasted 11/96

Score: 95

Robert Parker, 'Bordeaux' 3rd Ed. Maturity: 1996-2016 01 January 1998

Very deep crimson; nice if low-key sweet inkiness. Great weight of ripe fruit on the palate. Chewy tannins immediately insist. A young but beefy wine that's not particularly subtle. A little short. But very thick and slightly modern style.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2008-2017 06 October 2005