Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a Grand Cru vineyard located in the appellation of St. Estephe. Its oriental facade is adorned with three pagoda turrets, all cast in a soft golden sandstone. Chateau Cos d'Estournel covers 170 acres separated from Chateau Lafite, along the southern edge, by the stream between St. Estephe and Pauillac. The gravelly soil, over a flint, limestone, and silicate subsoil low in nitrogen, has eroded over centuries to form steep ridges which perfectly drain the vineyards. The vineyards are planted 60 % to Cabernet Sauvignon vines, 2% to Cabernet Franc, and 38% to Merlot. Naturally, the percentage of Cabernet or Merlot in the composition of each vintage depends on the climate, which may favor one grape variety or the other.

The 2020 Cos d'Estournel Rouge is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. In the glass the color is deep purple-black with blue edges. The aroma explodes with intense black fruit, black current, violets, graphite and hints of cedar and dark chocolate. The medium bodied palate has plenty of in-your-face energy, yet maintains a remarkable elegance and finesse. It is a tribute to its fine pedigree. The tannins are firm and finely grained, but polished and there is enough freshness that sets you up for a finish with delicate minerality. I do believe the wine will express more opulence and gain even more balance in the barrel before release. Cos d’Estournel has continues to over achieve and as expected, I fell in love with the 2020 vintage.