2002 Cos d'Estournel
By Chateau Cos d'Estournel
2002 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The turn of the millennium heralded numerous challenges for Bordeaux; yet amidst these, the 2002 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel emerged as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this storied terroir. Against a backdrop of an unpredictable climatic crescendo, this vintage, in particular, unfurls its narrative with a composed grace, distinguishing itself from its kin through sheer elegance and balance.
The True Essence of St-Estephe in 2002
While the 2002 season brought with it a swathe of weather hurdles, September's saving luminosity was key to the fine development of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. It is this saga of adversity and triumph that effuses every sip of the 2002 Cos d'Estournel with poignant character—one that speaks volumes to savvy wine investors seeking distinct narratives bottled within their collections.
Maturity Meets Vibrancy: The Paradox of 2002
A tasting reveals a paradox: the collision of maturity and vibrancy, expressing a duality that demands metacognition about one's expectations from a St-Estephe masterpiece. On the nose, the harmonious interplay of blackberry fruits and subtle tobacco whispers mystery, while on the palate, tannins showcase finesse over force—a ballet rather than bravado. Each element carves its mark subtly but surely in this nectar.
Chateau Cos d'Estournel's embodiment of the vintage epitomises sophisticated restraint and complexity. Nuanced layers unfurl gradually: cedar nuances entwine with graphite and slight peppery spices—all kept aloft by an enduring freshness that defies the vintage's initial prognosis. This astute balance signals not just finesse but foresight in wine crafting that astutely anticipates the evolution within the bottle.
In summation, the 2002 Cos d'Estournel stands as a beacon for those who appreciate a narrative imbued within their portfolio—sublime proof that out of heterogeneity can arise a vintage with singular charm and surprising potential for longevity. This wine illustrates the profundity of transformation—the ability to metamorphose a challenging growing season into a harvest capable of offering deeply rewarding complexity years on.
Market price (USD)
$1,450.00
12x75cl
Highest score
94
POP score
84.29
Scores and tasting notes
Tasted blind at Farr’s 2002 Bordeaux tasting. Just a fantastic wine…clean, fresh, bright and bushy tailed on the nose with blackberry, raspberry, cedar-wood and a real palpable sense of terroir. The palate is full-bodied, ripe and plush on the entry, focused and poised with good backbone, a wine intent on out-living its alumni. Corpulent and weight towards the finish. A wonderful Cos courtesy of Jean-Guillaume. Tasted October 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2010
The 2002 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. This vintage was late ripening with wonderful weather in September and very low yields this year. Deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, the palate sports tobacco, cedar chest and yeast extract scents over a core of figs, dried mulberries, fruitcake, sautéed herbs and cinnamon toast with a waft of oolong tea. Medium-bodied, the palate features bags of freshness, with firm yet grainy tannins and plenty of mature dried berry flavors, finishing long and spicy.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018
One of the candidates for wine of the vintage, this beauty has a dense purple color to the rim and a classic, noble nose of graphite intermixed with black currant, spice box, licorice, and red and black fruits. Medium to full-bodied with exceptional precision and definition, this beautifully textured wine stands out as one of the most successful wines of this irregular vintage. A brilliant effort, it should be at its best between 2008 and 2020.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #158 April 2005