2025 Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
The 2025 Cos d'Estournel was picked between September 3 and 19 and matured in 50% new oak, the analytic alcohol at 13.25%. There is just a touch of CO2 on the nose that soon dissipates, gorgeous black plum and damson aromas, pencil lead and light iodine scents all delivered with impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a hint of cracked black pepper and pencil lead that infuse the layered black fruit. There is a real crescendo of flavours in this Cos d'Estournel, fanning out gloriously towards the sustained finish. This is a serious Saint-Estèphe that will age supremely well in bottle.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Cassis, currants, smoky tobacco, chocolate, and graphite all define the 2025 Château Cos D'Estournel, a powerful, ripe, concentrated beauty based on 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot that's still resting in 50% new barrels. On the palate, it's full-bodied, with a pure, layered mouthfeel, integrated oak, and a great finish. It stays lively, balanced, and remarkably fresh despite its weight and richness, and I'd happily put this up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.
Dark in hue, without fanfare, the aromatics showcase black cherries, flowers, licorice, smoke, raspberry, and spice-filled nuances. The palate is even better, with a vivid display of sweet, energetic, lingering fruits, licorice, oceanic influences, dark chocolate, and Indian spices. There is richness, density, lift, and length. Balanced and harmonious, this wine will offer an extraordinary tasting experience. Give it a few years in the bottle before pulling a cork. The wine comprises 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot. 13.25% ABV, 3.68 pH. The harvest took place September 3 - September 19, making this the earliest harvest in the history of the estate. Yields were 29 hectoliters per hectare. The wine is aging in 50% new, French oak barrels. The Grand Vin was produced from 50% of the harvest.
A density to this, yet it remains balanced and complex, with well-integrated tannins and a juicy finish. It seems to be a wine with lots of fruit, but then it diffuses and shows open-grained, velvety tannins. Intense yet subtle blackberries, lead pencil and hazelnuts. Some flint. Persistent and reserved at the end. Great potential. A blend of 60% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot and 1% petit verdot.
About the producer
Louis Gaspard d’Estournel inherited Cos and Pomys in 1791, founding Cos d’Estournel in 1811, investing significantly in the property and expanding the estate from 14 to 45 hectares. The estate rapidly rose to prominence and the wines were exported around the world.