2023 Chateau Cos D'Estournel Saint-Estephe
In the realm of Saint- Estephe's grand wines, the 2023 Chateau Cos d'Estournel regins supreme. With fine, silky tannins and a subtle balance of power and harmony, this vintage dazzles,. Nestled on the hill of Saint-Estephe, the chateau's exotic pagodas captivate the eye, reflecting its unique style and quest for excellence. This wine exudes deep aromas of cassis, wild berries, and orange zest, framed by a well-integrated new oak. Medium to full-bodied, it offers a concentrated core of fruit, suave tannisn and a cool, seamless profile.
Situated between Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, and separated from Château Lafite by the stream known as La Jalle du Breuil (The Breuil Brook), the hill of Cos rises dominates the Gironde from the height of almost 65 feet. Certainly impressive to lay eyes on, and it's exactly what sets the wine apart as well - both in the bottle and on the label. In the old Gascon language, the word "Cos" means "The Hill of Pebbles." And as a matter of fact, the hill of Cos, which is situated on the banks of the Gironde, is an impressive accumulation of Quaternary gravel wrested from the distant mountains of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees and laid on Saint-Estèphe's limestone bed when the primeval river receded. These well-draining slopes formed by erosion have deep layers of gravel - making it not only a geological curiosity, but one of the most precious terroir in the world. Vines can root deeply into these arid soils looking for moisture. As a result the vines work hard and end up producing an intensely flavored and one-of-a-kind wine.
Wine Advocate
A contemporary classic in the making, the 2023 Cos d'Estournel has turned out beautifully, reflecting a lighter touch with extraction that has delivered more sensuality and harmony without the loss of any of the estate's signature power and authority. Wafting from the glass with deep aromas of cassis, wild berries, orange zest and exotic spices, framed by well-integrated new wood, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with a concentrated core of fruit, beautifully suave tannins and a cool, seamless profile. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot that attained 12.9% alcohol and is being matured in 50% new oak..
Vinous
The 2023 Cos d’Estournel is fabulous. Dark, resonant and inviting, the 2023 has so much to offer. All the elements are beautifully woven together. Black cherry, plum, licorice, espresso, mocha and incense fill out the layers. Readers will find a Cos endowed with tremendous substance and intensity. I can't remember a young Cos with this much fruit concentration, yet there is nothing overdone here. I loved it.
James Suckling
The finesse is pretty phenomenal here, with such complexity of fruit and vivid, bright flowers. Lavender and rose. Seductive. Ever-so long and precise. Lead pencil and graphite. Reminiscent of old, great Cos, such as 1955 or 1982, but with so much more form and modernity. A renaissance of Cos. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 1% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.