…opulence

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit Bordeaux, or in this case Saint-Estèphe in the north-west part of this renowned wine region. As you drive from Pauillac and come around the bend and up a slight rise you are greeted by the impressive site that is Cos d’Estournel.
It is an architecturally stunning winery, on the outside and even more so on the inside. It is impossible not to be impressed by the exotic grandeur, complete with genuine carved doors from Zanzibar and Asian-inspired Pagodas. Over the past 20 years or so, I have had the honour & pleasure on different occasions to visit and have private tastings. Last year in 2023 when I was last in Bordeaux, I had the pleasure to taste several special wines and this 2020 Cos d’Estournel was a standout. Plus, this vintage is presented in the unique gold-engraved bottle with the phrase 'C’était Cos sinon rien' - which translates to: 'Cos or nothing else'. As 2020 was the 20th Anniversary of the recent ownership by Michel Reybier.
Cos d’Estournel took its impressive modern form after being founded in 1811, it is thought that there were probably vines on these gravel soils in the 18th century. Established by Louis d’Estournel, a wealthy merchant who made his fortune in Asia. He commissioned the winery design to remind him of his time as a trader in the Far East. As is always the case in Bordeaux, ownership would pass onto different families, and after many wonderful chapters over the years, in 2000 the current owner Michel Reybier purchased the estate.
Like the previous vintage, this 2020 did not have a deft seasoning of Cabernet Franc or Petit Verdot added to the cuvée. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot parcels were hand harvested and vinified separately, before being blended and aged in French oak for 18 months, with 55% being new barrels for this vintage.

★ On the inviting nose you have generous aromas of blackcurrants, wild berries, allspice, black tea and dried herbs alongside infuse tobacco notes. The 2020 vintage of Cos d’Estournel offers a stunning balance between confidence, tannin richness and equal freshness from varietal acidity. There is an opulence to this vintage, with a classic confident nature, making Cos d’Estournel 2020 a quintessential expression of its terroir & time.

This 2020 Cos d’Estournel has 13.5% Alc./vol. Classic dry style. If opened in the next 2 - 3 years decant for 60 - 90 minutes and serve in a generously shaped red wine glass at 17°- 18°C. - *NZ$690.00

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Article Posted 24/8/24)
With generous broad-based decanting, it is approachable; though it will appreciate another 4 - 5 years and will repay and age nicely for another 20 - 25 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with Châteaubriand, steak au poivre, Entrecôte, Beef Bourguignon, tender lamb shanks with a wine jus and truffle mash, aged prime meat cuts, with earthy vegetarian cuisine - enjoy.