2005 Cos d'Estournel
By Chateau Cos d'Estournel
2005 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux
The 2005 Cos d'Estournel presents itself as a quintessential embodiment of the St-Estephe appellation, carrying the torch for a vintage widely lauded for its enduring quality and strength. Like the tapestry of an old master, this vintage has been woven with the mastery that only Chateau Cos d'Estournel can provide, blending artistry with the earthiness of its terroir.
A Vintage to Remember: A Structured Elegance
The year 2005 was heralded for its nearly perfect growing season, boasting optimal conditions that culminated in wines of profound structure and longevity. The 2005 Cos d'Estournel is particularly distinguished by its deep garnet hue—an inviting prelude to the complexity within. It encapsulates an aromatic breadth where dark fruits meld with hints of truffle and spice acquired through years of careful maturation.
Investing in Liquid History
Connoisseurs seeking not only pleasure but a wise wine investment will find an ally in the 2005 vintage from Chateau Cos d'Estournel. With St-Estephe's rugged charm on full display, this investment-worthy wine captivates with its balance between power and finesse—a testament to the estate's ability to translate a magnificent vintage into a bottle that continues to evolve marvelously.
In tasting, the 2005 Cos d'Estournel unfurls on the palate with luxurious layers. The first encounter reveals blackcurrant and cedar, followed by waves of velvety tannins which have mellowed gracefully to underline the wine’s eminent drinkability. As it opens up, secondary nuances of cigar box and graphite emerge, solidifying its status as one of the stellar performances of this esteemed Bordeaux region.
In conclusion, it is without hesitation that I assert the investment caliber of the 2005 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel. For those poised to enrich their portfolios with a stellar Bordeaux, this particular vintage stands out as a paragon for St-Estephe—exhibiting both a salute to tradition and an embrace of time's passage. This is a wine that promises to enchant now and offer profound depth as it continues to mature in years to come.
Market price (USD)
$2,434.28
12x75cl
Highest score
98
POP score
110.78
Scores and tasting notes
The 2005 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet colored, it is still a little closed and youthfully shy. With coaxing, the nose is just beginning to offer glimpses at vivacious kirsch, red roses, violets, licorice and mocha scents over a crème de cassis, blackberry pie and chocolate-covered cherry core with wafts of chargrill, mossy bark and truffles. Full-bodied, concentrated and wonderfully complex in the mouth, the palate is just beginning to reveal the true potential of this wine, with tightly wound layers of perfumed black fruits and earthy notions bound by a rock-solid frame of firm, grainy tannins and finishing with epic persistence. This still needs 5-6 years, but I love how this beauty is shaping up!!
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018
While I am not convinced the 2005 Cos d’Estournel will eclipse the compelling 2003 Cos, it is unquestionably another superb classic from proprietor Michel Reybier and his brilliant winemaker, Jean-Guillaume Prats. Made from an unusually high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (78%) and the balance mostly Merlot with a tiny dollop of Cabernet Franc, this superb effort requires plenty of time in the bottle. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a glorious perfume of licorice, Asian spices, creme de cassis, blackberries, and toasty oak. This full-bodied St.-Estephe is exceptionally powerful, pure, and dense with a layered mid-palate that builds like a skyscraper. While there are massive tannins, they are remarkably velvety and well-integrated in this big, backstrapping effort that should enjoy an unusually long life. Forget it for 8-10 years, and drink it between 2017-2040.
Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #176 April 2008
Tasted single blind at Southwold. This has a very deep, broody nose with immense concentration but it is tightly wound. Blackberry, boysenberry, minerals with a touch of rose petals – it is certainly less opulent than last year. The palate has immense concentration, powerful black fruit, perfect acidity, great sense of symmetry and focus. Real poise and controlled power. Builds and builds in the glass. Slight meatiness on the finish that just takes its foot off the accelerator. A majestic Cos d’Estournel, of that there is no doubt. Drink 2018-2030+ Tasted January 2009.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jul 2009