1971 Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
The 1971 Cos d’Estournel is similar to a couple of previous showings. Smudged compared to the 1971 Montrose, this feels earthy and perhaps heavily chaptalized. The palate has a sweet core of rustic, ferrous red fruit that is completely degraded with a rather monotone finish. Not undrinkable by a long chalk, though on this occasion, put in its place by the Montrose.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1971 Cos d’Estournel is much clearer in color than the 1975 with bricking on the rim as you would expect for a wine of this age. The nose is clean and fresh with baked cherries, scorched earth and vestiges of red berry fruit, yet surprisingly vigorous given the vintage. The palate is balanced, rustic, quite ferrous in the mouth and shows some attenuation on the finish. Yet unlike the 1975 or 1976 it is still thoroughly enjoyable even if I would not cellar it too much longer. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical at the property.
From a vintage that was very irregular in quality, the 1971 Cos d'Estournel is now fully mature. Medium to dark ruby, with an orange-brownish edge, this wine has a silky, rather seductive quality with good, supple fruit. It should be consumed immediately. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/87.
From a vintage that was very irregular in quality, the 1971 Cos d'Estournel is now fully mature. Medium to dark ruby, with an orange-brownish edge, this wine has a silky, rather seductive quality with good, supple fruit. It should be consumed immediately. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 1/87. Jan 1998, 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.