2003 Cos d'Estournel
By Chateau Cos d'Estournel
2003 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux, France
In the annals of Bordeaux’s venerable estates, Chateau Cos d'Estournel unquestionably occupies a prestigious position; within this lineage, the 2003 vintage is an exceptional chapter. A confluence of nature's extremities has yielded a wine worthy of the vigils kept by keen wine investors and aficionados alike. To comprehend and appreciate this offering, one must traverse beyond the usual tasting notes and delve into its unique vintage narrative.
Exceptional Vintage, Exceptional Charm
The year 2003 stands as a historical outlier in Bordeaux, marked by an intensely torrid summer that brought both challenge and triumph. The 2003 Cos d'Estournel emerged from these taxing conditions with an enigmatic charm. With a longer ripening period due to the heatwave, the grapes accrued unprecedented levels of sugar and concentration, manifesting in a wine teeming with opulence.
Upon pouring, the vintage expresses an intense depth in colour; a harbinger of the richness secured within its core. On the nose, one is greeted with bountiful aromas of ripe blackberries and plums, backdropped by subtler hints of cedar and exotic spices—a testament to its time in oak. The palate reveals additional complexity: dark chocolate notes pirouette amongst structured tannins which enhance its formidable body and long-lasting finish. Both powerful and elegant, the 2003 vintage deftly skirts the potential overripeness of its peers from this hot year to achieve balance.
Strategic Indulgence: A Wine Investor's Dream
A consummate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot underpins this investment-worthy St-Estephe treasure. This bold coupling endows the 2003 Cos d'Estournel with layers of texture and flavour diversity that ensure its longevity and continued evolution in bottle. The singular characteristics of this vintage denote it as one well-suited for those who understand the value of patience and persistence in both wine collection and enjoyment.
In summary, the 2003 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel radiates idiosyncratic gusto—thriving against all climatic odds—and rightfully holds a coveted spot amongst collectible vintages. It's a supreme offering from St-Estephe that splendidly encapsulates its atypical season's profile while maintaining the inherent finesse associated with this esteemed chateau. A stellar choice for discerning palates seeking to diversify their portfolios with an inimitable Bordeaux selection.
Market price (USD)
$1,920.00
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
87.78
Scores and tasting notes
The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d’Estournel is a candidate for “wine of the vintage.” A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grille, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. Kudos to winemaker Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #164 April 2006
What a nose here with incredible flowers and currants, with hints of forest fruits and dried fruits too. A very complex nose. A massive palate with huge tannins, a real blockbuster style. Loads of complexity, and this is just a baby. Still needs eight or nine years.
James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, March 14th 2011
Tasted at Bordeaux Index's "10-Year On" tasting in London. The Cos d'Estournel 2003 has a more flamboyant, sumptuous bouquet compared to the Montrose with luscious redcurrant, raspberry, vanilla and graphite scents that soar from the glass. The palate is full-bodied, but I feel that it has lost weight in recent years as it sheds its puppy fat. This is a very focused Saint Estephe, very composed with fine definition and minerality towards the long finish. At the moment it stands side by side with the Montrose, but both remain true to their style. Tasted March 2013.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2013
Harvest finished this year on September 25. The 2003 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. It has a deep garnet-brick color and quite an herbal nose with notions of dried Mediterranean herbs and roasted meats over a core of crème de cassis, stewed plums and unsmoked cigars plus a touch of new leather. Full, rich, concentrated and decadent in the mouth, the palate, though medium-bodied, packs a wallop of fruit with plenty of earthy/savory accents and an herbal lift to the finish.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018