2021 Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
Cos d’Estournel has produced a very sophisticated and streamlined Grand Vin in 2021. The tannins are hugely concentrated yet manage to stack neatly upon one another, building impressive structure on the palate. Despite the concentration of tannins, they remain very supple and elegant. There was some chapitalization to add body and overall, the wine feels very well-balanced with an excellent sense of precision on the palate. Yields were down to 32 hl/ha and the wine is 12.74% alcohol, with some chaptalisation. Blend: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Especially deep crimson. One of the headiest, ripest noses so far. Velvety texture and, strangely for a 2021, it seems to lack acidity! Fashioned to grab attention, but I prefer some of the more classical St-Estèphes. Clumsy finish. Almost Napa-esque. But it will please some. (JR)
The Grand Vin 2021 Château Cos D'Estournel checks in as 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that was brought up in 55% new French oak. It's a more restrained, elegant Cos that brings beautiful red and black currant fruit as well as classic damp earth, graphite, scorched earth, and hints of tobacco leaf. This medium-bodied, elegant, seamless 2021 has ripe, polished tannins, remarkable purity, and outstanding length. At just 12.74% alcohol, pH of 3.79, and an IPT of 77, it’s up with the top handful of wines in the vintage. I’d happily drink a bottle today, but it will ideally be given 3-4 years in the cellar and should evolve for 20 or so years in cold cellars.
The 2021 Cos d'Estournel has retained a Cabernet Sauvignon-driven nose, with pencil shaving scents infusing the black fruit, and a touch of dark chocolate and loam coming through with aeration. It is well-defined and composed, though it doesn't have the complexity of some of the great recent vintages from the estate. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins on the entry. Showing modest depth, it’s quite sapid, with a touch of brininess to the fruit. This is not a flamboyant Cos d'Estournel, but it is very well composed and lingers temptingly on the finish. Give this five to seven years in bottle.
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.