2008 Château Cos d'Estournel

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. Very deep crimson. Very luscious and round. Strong blackcurrant element. Surprisingly gentle tannins, perhaps Jean-Guillaume’s swansong? Very well made but perhaps not necessarily a typical St-Estèphe. (JR)

The medium to deep garnet colored 2008 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pow! The nose explodes with notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis with wafts of wood smoke, salami and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and earthy/savory in character, sporting beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note.

Tasted blind. Quite rich and fruity and emphatic. Lots there, including some saltiness as well as all the fruit and a seam of mintiness. (JR)