Château Cos d'Estournel 2017

Château Cos d’Estournel 2017 — Saint-Estèphe

This Château Cos d’Estournel 2017 embodies an elegant, precise and remarkably balanced expression of Saint-Estèphe. A Second Growth with an instantly recognisable identity, it combines the depth of Médoc gravel soils, the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon and a distinctive spicy signature, with cassis, blackberry, blueberry, cedar, graphite, blond tobacco, cocoa, liquorice, violet and oriental spice notes.

The 2017 vintage, fresher and more classical than the great solar years around it, highlights the finesse, freshness and precision of the estate. The blend brings together 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, in a style that is dense but never excessive, carried by silky tannins and a long mineral finish.

Terroir: Saint-Estèphe, deep gravel and Médoc freshness

The Cos d’Estournel vineyard lies on deep gravel rises with clay-rich subsoils. This combination produces wines that are structured, profound and capable of retaining remarkable freshness. In 2017, Cabernet Sauvignon brings cassis, graphite, tension and structure, while Merlot adds flesh, suppleness and depth of fruit.

The château’s signature remains clearly visible: a refined, spicy and subtly exotic Saint-Estèphe, here expressed in a more lifted rather than massive style. The wine favours balance, purity of dark fruit, silky texture and a fresh, long and mineral finish.

Tasting notes

Expression of the 2017 vintage

The 2017 vintage gives Cos d’Estournel a more classical than monumental expression, yet one of great distinction. The wine remains youthful, with fine cellaring potential, but can already be appealing after gradual aeration. Over time, notes of cedar, tobacco, graphite, fine leather, cocoa, undergrowth, melted spices and mineral nuances should gradually join the purity of its dark fruit.