Chateau Cos dEstournel   Cos dEstournel

2018 Cos d'Estournel

By Chateau Cos d'Estournel

2018 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux

In the pantheon of Bordeaux greats, the 2018 vintage of Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel emerges as a paragon that adeptly encapsulates the essence of St-Estephe. This acclaimed vintage owes its remarkable composure and depth to the symbiotic interplay of nature's benevolence and the estate's meticulous vinicultural philosophies during an unprecedented climatic tableau.

 

Classics Redefined: A Vintage with Pedigree

The perfect storm of conditions, akin to the art of alchemy, has imbued this storied vintage with extraordinary qualities. Hauted by the echoes of a historical harvest, the 2018 Cos d'Estournel encapsulates a profusion of aromatics and a profundity of flavour seldom achieved in its generational lineage. The estate's dedication to terroir expression is exhibited exquisitely in this offering, delivering a tapestry of complex notes - blackberries, cassis, and exotic spices supported by an aristocratic structure.

 

Investment Worthy: A Symphony in a Bottle

The savvy investor should note the 2018 vintage as one of prophetic distinction; it stands as a testament to Chateau Cos d'Estournel's relentless pursuit of perfection. The purity and precision of this wine hint at both immediate pleasures and a formidable cellaring potential -- an attractive prospect for investment and enjoyment alike.

On the palate, the 2018 Cos d'Estournel seduces with its harmonious marriage of intensity and elegance -- offering supple tannins and unwavering balance. This seamless elixir speaks volumes about its birth year -- robust yet discerning, with an enigmatic staying power that whispers to the connoisseur the promises of years to come.

In summation, the 2018 offering from Chateau Cos d'Estournel illustrates St-Estephe’s profound prowess. Its poised, potent character makes for a compelling addition to any fine wine portfolio, exemplifying investment-grade claret that resonates deeply with Bordeaux aficionados. This vintage shines brightly in a constellation of exceptional vintages and duly deserves its place in the cellars of those seeking outstanding returns in both taste and tangible value.

Market price (CAD)

$1,830.00

12x75cl

Highest score

98

POP score

61.11

Scores and tasting notes

98-99

The beautiful integration of ripe fruit and ripe tannins gives the wine a layered and agile mouthfeel. Soft and gorgeous with silky tannins that really kick in at the finish and carry the wine for a long time.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com - April 2019

97-100

A regal, soaring Saint-Estèphe, the 2018 Cos d'Estournel is also clearly one of the wines of the vintage. On the palate, the 2018 is dark and sumptuous, with striking aromatic presence and silky tannins that wrap around a rich core of exotic fruit. Black cherry, savory herbs, leather, spice and menthol build in the glass in a wine that is both aromatically intense and richly textured. The 2018 has been nothing short of breathtaking on the two occasions I have tasted it so far. Don't miss it.

Antonio Galloni - Vinous - April 2019

97-100

The 2018 Cos d'Estournel is composed of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc and has 14.59% alcohol. Aging in 50% new barriques, it has a deep purple-black color and drifts effortlessly, gracefully, seductively out of the glass with slowly unfurling notions of blackcurrant cordial, wild blueberries, chocolate-covered cherries and plum pudding with touches of violets, licorice, wild roses and yeast extract plus a waft of loose tobacco. The full-bodied palate is built like a brick house with a solid frame of super firm, super ripe tannins and seamless freshness to back up the vibrant, crunchy, oh-so-muscular fruit, finishing long with loads of mineral layers. Amazing structure will keep this beauty for at least half a century and probably a full one!

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 23rd April 2019

98

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.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 31 March 2021

97

This has some austerity on the attack, then announces its arrival in the inimitable way that Cos is able to do: with a slow build up of exotic spices, liquorice root, cedar and cassis. It stretches out through the palate and you keep waiting for the tannins to punch through like they did in 2010, but it doesn't happen, even though this is a big wine with high alcohol and an IPT of 80. There's a great menthol freshness on the finish, helped no doubt by a fresh 3.65pH. It has the luxurious signature of Cos, the glamorous touch that you look for in this wine - like at Mouton and at Angelus - that is part of their DNA, but it's also married to elegance and a touch of slate minerality. This is a wine that you would be thrilled to own. 12mm of rain on 12 September and 20mm in mid-August were just enough to stop any blockages in ripening, although the 30hl/ha yield is low due to a touch of mildew and some concentration in September. This compares to a more generous 45hl/ha in 2016. 65% of production went into the grand vin. 1% Petit Verdot makes up the blend, and the wine is aged in 50% new oak (a little lower than the usual 60%). A candidate to upscore when in bottle.

Jane Anson - Decanter - April 2019

Vintage performance