Cos d'Estournel 2018 [magnum]

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

Falstaff

VertdeVin

The nose is elegant, racy and offers a beautiful grain, precision, concentration (full of finesse), a fine power and deepness. It reveals notes of ripe wild blackberry, pulpy wild cassis and small notes of violet associated with touches of crushed strawberry, blueberry, small crushed red berries as well as hints of racy minerality, primerose, liquorice stick, nutmeg, pepper and tobacco. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, elegant, full of finesse (like a square of silk) and offers juiciness, an acidulous frame, gourmandize, a beautiful definition, tension, generosity, a small aerial side, a beautiful grain as well as a fine creaminess and richness (full of subtility/control). On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/fleshy cassis, wild strawberry and small notes of cherry associated with touches of small wild red berries as well as hints of tonka bean, mild tobacco and toasted hazelnut. Good length. Tannins are elegant and precise. A beautiful suave and sapid persistence.

Adrian van Velsen - vvWine.ch

James Suckling

The richness and beauty of this wine is impressive with blackcurrant, cherry, berry and fresh cloves. The fruit is so pure here. Full-bodied with tannins that are so integrated and refined that you don’t feel them, yet they are there! Very creamy and layered with great length and beauty. It turns to tar and licorice at the finish. Tight now, but the texture is special. Try after 2027.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2018 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged in 50% new oak barriques. The alcohol weighs in at just over 14.5%. Sporting a deep purple-black color, it needs a lot of swirling to begin to unlock a powerful nose of crème de cassis, stewed plums, wild blueberries and chocolate-covered cherries, followed by nuances of Sichuan pepper, star anise, tree and clove oil, plus a waft of charcoal. The full-bodied palate is densely packed with taut, muscular black fruits and earthy layers, framed by super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and wonderfully earthy. A very impressive behemoth, this is going to need a good seven to 10 years to truly show its stuff and should drink for a good 40 years and beyond.