1986 Cos d'Estournel
By Chateau Cos d'Estournel
1986 Cos d'Estournel from Château Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 1986 vintage from Bordeaux remains a benchmark for connoisseurs and investors alike, with the 1986 Cos d'Estournel from Château Cos d'Estournel exemplifying the extraordinary depth and structure that defines this storied year. Renowned for its consistency in producing commanding wines, the St-Estephe estate once again demonstrated its craft with a vintage that stands as a testament to the exceptional terroir of the region.
Profound Elegance and Rigorous Structure
An epitome of ageing potential, the 1986 Cos d'Estournel showcases a profile that has matured with dignity. The rigorous tannins of its youth have softened over the decades to reveal a polished structure, cradling delectable notes of truffle, cassis and finely ground spice. As this wine graces the palate, it does so not with audacity but with a profound elegance that resonates with the sophistication of seasoned Bordeaux lovers.
An Exemplar Vintage in Fine Wine Investment
In the realm of fine wine investment, vintages like the 1986 Cos d'Estournel are remarkable assets. They hold an intrinsic value not only in their scarcity but also in their storied narrative through time. As they flourish in the bottle, they embody both history and luxury. The optimal climatic conditions of '86 bestowed upon this St-Estephe treasure a balance between concentration and finesse – qualities that seek out appreciation from investors and enthusiasts alike.
The acumen displayed by Château Cos d'Estournel in transforming an extraordinary harvest into a magnificent liquid anthology underscores this wine's investable calibre. With each sip of the 1986 Cos d'Estournel, one uncovers layers of earthy complexity interlaced with vestiges of dark berries, setting it apart from other revered vintages.
To partake in this Bordeaux is to enjoy a communion with time itself. Allow me to affirm that among connoisseurs discussing legendary blends and distinguished vintages for discerning collections or portfolios, the 1986 Cos d'Estournel continues its steady ascension as one of St-Estephe's most coveted gems – a poetic elixir encased in every investor’s dreams.
Market price (GBP)
£1,850.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
123.33
Scores and tasting notes
The 1986 is a highly extracted wine, with a black/ruby color and plenty of toasty, smoky notes in its bouquet that suggest ripe plums and licorice. Evolving at a glacial pace, it exhibits massive, huge, ripe, extremely concentrated flavors with impressive depth and richness. It possesses more power, weight, and tannin than the more opulent and currently more charming 1985. Anticipated maturity: 1996-2010.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #95 October 1994
Tasted at the Cos d'Estournel dinner at St. John. This bottle is similar to the one last year: dense, masculine, wet sand, austere on the nose, as if the wine is slamming a door in your face, but after a time there is a lovely touch of cardamom that develops. The palate suggests that it is worth cellaring, superb concentration, a rather robust, foursquare structure and a stoic facade, leading to a tannic, quite leathery finish. Great focus and length
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Nov 2009
Tasted at the property, the 1986 Cos d'Estournel, which was aged in 90% new oak and is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, is a vintage that I had not tasted for a number of years. It has a healthy color, quite deep with just a thin bricking on the rim. The nose is quite intense, quite voluptuous for a 1986, perhaps blind I might have mistaken it for a 1985. Red plum, licorice and graphite, there is something rounded and sensual about this 1986—although it does not have the complexity of the greatest vintages of Cos d'Estournel. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, savory and almost meaty on the mouth, nicely balanced and then...BAM! There's a real spicy, black pepper kick on the finish originating from the Cabernet Sauvignon. It does not possess the structure or persistence of the greatest 1986s, rather a Claret that I know would just shine and complement dishes at the dinner table. Drinking perfectly now, this Cos d'Estournel has another 15-20 years to offer. Tasted July 2016.
Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 30 December 2016