Château Cos d'Estournel - Saint-Estephe 2015

Cos d’Estournel is ideally situated at the heart of an undulating landscape in the northern Médoc. A plateau of deep gravel comprises the core of the site. Gravelly and clayey, the two hills that slope downward from this point benefit respectively from eastern and south-southwestern exposures. These geologic features are completed by a clay vein running diagonally through the vineyard. Merlot is found to the east, on clay-limestone soils, while Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on the highest parts of the plateau, where drainage is ideal. A near miracle in geographic and geologic terms, Cos d’Estournel benefits from an unparalleled combination of soils and exposures. The northernmost village appellation of the Médoc, Saint-Estèphe is nestled between the Gironde Estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. More pronounced than elsewhere in the region, the resulting oceanic climate tempers extreme weather conditions; winters are less harsh and summer heat waves less intense. Ripening occurs gently, which favors complexity and freshness of aromas in the grapes.

The wind that often blows through the vineyard is also essential: by drying excess humidity and purifying the air, it allows grape berries to ripen on the vine in perfect health.

Today the vineyard occupies 91 hectares. Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for two-thirds of this precious mosaic of 61 plots, with a lesser proportion of the land dedicated to Merlot and a small proportion to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Nestled among the vine plants of the estate—45 years old on average—are certain very precious specimens, guardians of the vineyard’s heritage. Some of the oldest vine plants date back to the early 20th century. They continue to thrive, finding nourishment in the deepest layers of the land. Their grapes bring depth and structure to the wines of Cos d’Estournel, a testament to the incomparable complexity of the vineyard’s soil. The grapes from these mature plants are blended with the fruit of their younger counterparts to produce the Grand Vin of Cos d’Estournel. The average age of vine plants whose grapes are used in the estate’s first wine is 55 years old.

Keeping the oldest vine plants alive is crucial to perpetuating Cos d’Estournel’s rich heritage. Despite their low yield and the special care they require, these plants produce the grapes that shape the core identity of the estate’s wines. They also ensure the continuity of the vineyard through massal selection. Grapes are examined and tasted to identify the plants that most closely represent the singular qualities of the estate’s terroir. Their shoots are then used to grow young vines, so that the defining characteristics of Cos d’Estournel may be passed down from one generation to the next. It is a time-consuming process that requires great commitment, first during the selection process and then in caring for the young vines until they are mature enough for their grapes to be used in the Grand Vin. But this measure is essential to preserving the unique signature of the wines of the estate. Each vine-grower on the estate is entrusted with the same ten plots, or forty thousand vine plants, year after year. He or she follows them closely from one season to the next and is entirely responsible for their care.

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. Aging takes place in 80% new barrels.

"Super aromas of nutmeg, cloves and dried flowers with plums and blackberries. Subtle yet so complex. Full-bodied, tight and integrated with ultra-fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Lasts for minutes. Very, very Cos. Harmony. Texturally marvellous." - 98 Points, James Suckling

"While this wine is rich, it has a classical demeanor, with fine tannins that support but never dominate the ripe black fruits. Full of juicy acidity, it offers black currants and some fine, firm tannins at the end. This will take some time to mature, and the wine will not be ready to drink before 2027." - 96 Points, Wine Enthusiast

"The 2015 Cos d'Estournel is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23.5% Merlot and 1.5% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it offers up black currants, spice cake, warm cherries and plum preserves with touches of chargrill and forest floor. Medium-bodied and very firm with ripe, grainy tannins, it has a good core of earthy fruit, finishing with loads of layers and freshness.” - 95 Points, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

Producer: Château Cos d'Estournel

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc

Appellation: Saint-Estèphe

Vintage: 2015

Size: 750ml