2012 Cos d'Estournel
By Chateau Cos d'Estournel
2012 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
In the melodious landscape of St-Estephe, the 2012 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel emerges as a testimony to the resilience and grace that Bordeaux can unearth in more demanding vintages. As one who has watched the seasonal tides of Bordeaux for decades, 2012 was a year that required astute mastery over the whims of nature.
Subtle Complexity: A Magnet for Fine Wine Investors
While it would be remiss to overlook the trials presented by 2012, with its damp spring and fluctuating summer, it is in these very challenges that Chateau Cos d'Estournel charted new terroirs of excellence. The wine whispers tales of precision viticulture and winemaking adroitness, qualities that savvy investors understand as predictors of maturation potential and sought-after rarity.
A Vintage Woven with Vibrant Contrasts
The 2012 Cos d'Estournel, now with years in bottle, invites with an aromatic tapestry rich in cassis and interwoven with earthy tones of truffle and wet stone. On the palate, one may discern rigorous tannins, now softened, parlaying with blackberry notes and an undercurrent of spice. This orchestration of flavours elegantly pirouettes towards a finish lined with persistence - a hallmark of wines that command presence both in cellars and on investment portfolios.
The 2012 vintage stands as a characterful emissary from a chateau that reveres its dance with time and elements. Its poise today points not only to enjoyable current drinking but also to promising returns for those poised to allocate it within their collections.
Connoisseur's Spotlight: An Informed Investment
Mindful collectors know that the 2012 Cos d'Estournel is not merely reflective of the broader narrative of Bordeaux’s capability but is a focused expression of the spirited 2012 vintage from this St-Estephe beacon. It presents itself as one of those astute acquisitions where appreciation—both in pleasure and in value—is foreseeable through the lens of time.
Market price (HKD)
HK$10,840.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
80.71
Scores and tasting notes
It has a saturated purple color, a classic style, abundant tannin, slight austerity, superb concentration, huge fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and a structured, muscular, well-delineated finish. This impressive, full-bodied Cos will need time to round into shape. Give it 4-5 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades. Proprietor Michel Reybier has produced an outstanding 2012 Cos d'Estournel from a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the rest tiny quantities of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. With a pH of 3.75 and alcohol level of 13.8% this is a ripe wine with the same tannin levels (IPH) as the 2009. The second wine, the 2012 Les Pagodes de Cos, represents 50% of the production.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #206
This is very tannic -- perhaps slightly too much -- but shows very pretty, intense fruit with blueberry and mineral character. Full and dense. Mineral and dried spices such as cloves under it all. Very muscular.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, April 4th 2013
The 2012 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It has a deep garnet-purple color and reveals expressive black cherries, black raspberries and red and black plums scents with subtler notes of cassis, menthol, pencil lead and cigar box plus a touch of lavender. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled, with a rock-solid frame of chewy tannins, it delivers a lively lift on the long finish. This is a lovely wine with slightly chewier tannins and less stuffing than the 2011. Needs 4-5 years.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018
Tasted as a barrel sample at the chateau. The Grand Vin is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot that is being raised in 70% new oak. It delivers 13.79% alcohol and represents half of the total crop. It is initially quite taciturn on the nose with blackberry and briary notes, the Cabernet component coming through strongly with hints of iodine. Returning after 10 minutes, the mineral aromas are more pronounced. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy tannins. It is certainly well balanced, quite assertive at this stage with bold, dry tannins on the finish that is more concentrated than you would expect given the growing season. There is a pleasant salty note on the aftertaste that lingers long in the mouth. This is a steadfast, well-judged Cos d’Estournel, though it falls somewhat short of the mighty 2010. Tasted April 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013