2021, Château Cos d’Estournel, SAINT-ESTÈPHE, 2ème Grand Cru ClasséBordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot Cos d'Estournel is in Saint Estphe but borders Pauillac and, in particular, the vineyards of Chteau Lafite. This vintage, which can be overly straight and austere, benefits from the house style of Cos, where they are happy to add a twist of gourmet glamour, and I am seriously impressed with this wine. It showcases the successful sides of a cool vintage in spades, with bitter

This has touches of reduction

Julien Viaud and Axel Marchal consultants

Full-bodied with lovely freshness and depth

The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins that frame the cedar and graphite infused black fruit

good fruit concentration with layers of blackberry

Blended of 55% Merlot and 45% Cabernet Franc

licorice and leather struggle to emerge

offering up aromas of plums

Good length

up to 39ha

present but supportive and not overwhelming

There are clear depths to the nuanced blackberry and cassis fruits