Ratings & Tasting Notes:

98+ points Jeb Dunnuck

An incredible wine from this estate that’s as good as anything in the vintage, the 2018 Château Cos D’Estournel checks in as 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 50% new French oak. While some 2018s are going to offer pleasure right out of the gate, this isn’t one of them, but rather it’s a backward, tannic powerhouse of a wine that has flawless balance as well as a level of purity that’s off the charts. Thrilling crème de cassis fruit, notes of lead pencil, damp earth, cedarwood, violets, and acacia flowers, full-bodied richness, masses of ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish all make for a legendary Saint-Estèphe that will need a good decade of bottle age yet evolve for 50 years or more. If you are tempted to try a bottle in its youth, it needs lots of air. 98+

98 James Suckling

The richness and beauty of this wine is impressive with blackcurrant, cherry, berry and fresh cloves. The fruit is so pure here. Full-bodied with tannins that are so integrated and refined that you don’t feel them, yet they are there! Very creamy and layered with great length and beauty. It turns to tar and licorice at the finish. Tight now, but the texture is special.

98 Wine Advocate

The 2018 Cos d’Estournel is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak barriques. The alcohol weighs in at just over 14.5%. Sporting a deep purple-black color, it needs a lot of swirling to begin to unlock a powerful nose of crème de cassis, stewed plums, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by nuances of Sichuan pepper, star anise, tree and clove oil, plus a waft of charcoal. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with taut, muscular black fruits and earthy layers, framed by super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully earthy. A very impressive behemoth, this is going to need a good seven to 10 years to truly show its stuff and should drink for a good 40 years and beyond. (LPB) 98+

98 Vinous

The 2018 Cos d’Estournel is a racy, powerful Saint-Estèphe that is going to need quite a bit of time to find its center. Today, it is tightly wound, but all the energy is there. Lush and extravagantly ripe, the 2018 possesses tremendous depth and plenty of energy to back it all up. Here, too, I found the wine a bit more expressive and giving en primeur. (AG)

Cult Wines International Notes:

Château Cos d’Estournel is a prominent Second Growth estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Often referred to as the “King of Saint-Estèphe,” it is celebrated for its exotic, powerful, and opulent wines that stand in distinct contrast to the more classic, austere style of its neighbor, Château Lafite Rothschild.

The estate’s history dates back to the early 19th century when Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel inherited the property. He had a great fascination with Asia and the Middle East, which led him to commission the striking, pagoda-like cellars that define the winery’s architecture. His unique winemaking philosophy also distinguished the property: he would famously ship his wines to India and then bring them back to Bordeaux, believing the journey improved the wine.

Today, under the ownership of Michel Reybier, the chateau continues its legacy of innovation while maintaining a commitment to quality. The vineyards are primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wines are known for their rich, dark fruit character, notes of incense and exotic spices, and a velvety texture that comes from the high percentage of Merlot in the blend.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition.