Château Cos d'Estournel 2023

The finesse is pretty phenomenal here, with such complexity of fruit and vivid, bright flowers. Lavender and rose. Seductive. Ever-so long and precise. Lead pencil and graphite. Reminiscent of old, great Cos, such as 1955 or 1982, but with so much more form and modernity. A renaissance of Cos. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cos unfolds with subtlety, revealing itself step by step. The freshness of the red berries, combined with notes of blackcurrant, graphite and mint, underline the diversity of the bouquet. On the palate, the wine immediately reveals a fine aromatic intensity. The attack is full-bodied and opens the way to a powerful, compact Cos d'Estournel, driven by ample, perfectly integrated tannins. The acidic structure acts as a backdrop, giving energy and incisiveness to a juicy, even salty finish. An imposing, serene, powerful and persistent wine. 2030-2053

Black colour. Intense, fine, fruity and slightly toasted nose. Very distinct aromatic personality. Full on the attack, juicy in the middle, with a great sense of volume and plenty of flavour, this rich wine melts on the palate. The finish is more ethereal than it sometimes is. Breathless progression. Superb. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Alcohol content: 12°91 - pH: 3.75 - IPT: 72. 12% press wine. Yield: 45 hl/ha. Selection: 53% of production.

As the notes of a mocha-scented piano rise, a warm velvet coat drapes over the shoulders, and the rich milk tea saturates the palate, Château Cos d’Estournel once again displays its classic moments in the 2023 vintage. Within its gentle texture, I can discern clear notes of clove, cumin, and Sichuan pepper; deep within the fruit flavors of blackberries, mulberries, and dark plums, with the charm of ripeness. The finish is infused with the classic scents of pine resin, effortlessly brightening a full-bodied wine.