2018 Cos d'Estournel

2010 was an exceptional vintage for Saint-Estèphe, characterized by ideal growing conditions throughout the season. The year began with a cold, dry winter, followed by a warm spring that encouraged early and even flowering. Summer brought hot, dry weather, causing beneficial water stress in the vines and concentrating flavors in the grapes. Crucially, cool nights maintained acidity levels, ensuring balance in the developing fruit.

Chateau Cos d'Estournel, the iconic Second Growth estate in Saint-Estèphe, produced a remarkable wine in 2015. The vintage was characterized by a warm, dry summer that allowed for optimal ripening of the grapes. Despite some late-season rain, careful selection during harvest ensured only the best fruit made it into the final blend. The result is a powerful yet elegant wine that beautifully reflects both the terroir and the challenging growing season.

The 2017 vintage from Chateau Cos d'Estournel showcases the estate's ability to produce exceptional wines even in difficult years. Spring frost significantly reduced yields across Bordeaux, but Cos d'Estournel's vineyards were largely spared due to their proximity to the Gironde estuary. The summer was relatively cool and dry, leading to an early harvest of small, concentrated berries. Despite the challenges, meticulous vineyard management and careful vinification resulted in a wine of surprising depth and complexity.

The 2019 vintage from Chateau Cos d'Estournel demonstrates the estate's mastery in adapting to increasingly warm growing seasons. A mild spring led to even flowering, but June brought a heatwave that required precise vineyard management to prevent sun damage. Timely rains in July and August refreshed the vines, while a dry, warm September allowed for optimal ripening. The result is a wine of remarkable balance, combining the ripeness of a warm year with the classic freshness and structure of Cos d'Estournel.

Chateau Cos d'Estournel's 2020 vintage highlights the estate's ability to excel in challenging climatic conditions. The growing season was marked by a wet spring followed by an extremely hot and dry summer, presenting unique challenges for vine management. An early harvest in September allowed the team to pick grapes at optimal ripeness before potential rain could impact quality. The resulting wine is a brilliant expression of the vintage, balancing power and freshness in the distinctive Cos d'Estournel style.

The 2021 vintage from Chateau Cos d'Estournel showcases the estate's expertise in overcoming one of the most difficult growing seasons in recent memory. Severe spring frost in April significantly reduced yields, followed by an unusually cool and wet summer that increased disease pressure in the vineyards. The team's meticulous work in the vineyard, including leaf thinning and green harvesting, was crucial in ensuring proper ripening. Despite these challenges, Cos d'Estournel produced a wine of surprising finesse and aromatic complexity, reflecting the unique character of this testing vintage.