1964 Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
This bottle of 1964 Cos d’Estournel comes from the same source as a bottle that I tasted blind in 2015 in Burgundy. Unsurprisingly it is very similar. The bouquet is reminiscent of a fine mature Saint-Émilion with sprightly red berry fruit, the Merlot in the driving seat instead of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The palate is fresh and well balanced, still vigorous with a subtle estuarine note, mudflats and a touch of shucked oyster shell, perhaps that Japanese nori scent that I remarked on before. Saint-Estèphe appears to be the one AOC that performed almost as well as the Right Bank in 1964, at least at the very top end. Tasted at a private dinner in Burgundy.
Critic scores
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Neal Martin
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 1964 Château Cos d'Estournel was served blind and of impeccable provenance. It testifies what a fine vintage this was in the Northern Médoc, especially in Saint Estèphe (see my notes on Montrose 1964). It's not in the same class as that, but it exemplifies how well this Saint Estètphe grandee ages. I confess that I ventured it was an old Saint Emilion on the nose, thanks to its patina of red fruit that lends it a venerable Merlot-like allure. There is certainly freshness here and that is translated through onto the palate. It is well balanced and still vital after half-a-century: a foundation of iodine-tinged black fruit and a light marine influence comes through on the finish, hints of blackcurrant pastilles and Japanese nori on the aftertaste. This is a delightful old Cos, not in the same class as the 1945, 1955 or 1966, but a wine that is continuing to give pleasure. Tasted November 2015.
The 1964 Chateau Cos d'Estournel was served blind and of impeccable provenance. It testifies what a fine vintage this was in the Northern Medoc, especially in Saint Estephe (see my notes on Montrose 1964). It's not in the same class as that, but it exemplifies how well this Saint Estetphe grandee ages. I confess that I ventured it was an old Saint Emilion on the nose, thanks to its patina of red fruit that lends it a venerable Merlot-like allure. There is certainly freshness here and that is translated through onto the palate. It is well balanced and still vital after half-a-century: a foundation of iodine-tinged black fruit and a light marine influence comes through on the finish, hints of blackcurrant pastilles and Japanese nori on the aftertaste. This is a delightful old Cos, not in the same class as the 1945, 1955 or 1966, but a wine that is continuing to give pleasure. Tasted November 2015. Jul 2016, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Louis Gaspard d’Estournel inherited Cos and Pomys in 1791, founding Cos d’Estournel in 1811, investing significantly in the property and expanding the estate from 14 to 45 hectares. The estate rapidly rose to prominence and the wines were exported around the world.