Château Cos d'Estournel 2012

Special Price $175.95 Average US Price $203.00
Out of stock
SKU
1474-2012

• Domaine: Château Cos d'Estournel
• Appellation: Saint-Estèphe
• Classification: Second Growth, 2ème Grand Cru Classé
• Origin: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France

Château Cos d'Estournel stands out from the other Bordeaux châteaux in many ways. The exotic, pagoda-like architecture and ornate entryway conjure visions of distant lands in the mind’s eye.  The unconventional is embraced here, and it serves this renegade Second Growth producer well.  Their wines have an exotic and opulent quality yet maintain the longevity that many St-Estèphe producers possess. Though Château Cos d'Estournel was initially classified as a Second Growth in 1855 -- make no mistake, the wines of this producer consistently rival the top tier First Growths vintage after vintage.

The history of this estate begins with Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, whose love of the estate knew no bounds.  He adored exotic places and designed the estate to resemble the architecture of the Orient.  He saw the potential of the terroir at Château Cos d'Estournel due to the close proximity to Lafite Rothschild. He believed the terroir surrounding the estate was a viticultural goldmine and decided to snap up as many parcels of land around him that he could.  Louis Gaspard d’Estournel’s devotion to the estate was almost an obsession; he would frequently drive himself into debt by acquiring parcels of land and expanded the vineyard from 14 to 45 hectares. 

Under Louis’ watchful leadership, Château Cos d'Estournel did not participate in a negociant system because he loved selling wine directly to his loyal client base.  He was a forward thinker and understood the importance of a global marketplace; frequently shipping his wines to foreign countries like India.  Surprisingly, the long journey from France to the Far East facilitated the aging process, his wine often arrived in the various courts of the Indian kingdoms in great conditions.  The terroir of Saint-Estèphe produces wines that give hints of spices, a perfect pairing with the food from India and other Far East cultures, well-known for their use of spices.  The confident owner's devotion to creating quality wine paid off, earning him the title of “The Maharaja of St-Estèphe.” Unfortunately, he passed away before he could bear witness to the fruits of his labor when Château Cos d'Estournel was classified as a Second Growth in 1855.

The cellar of the estate is now a 100% gravity flow winery with wine elevators that replace pumps used in the traditional racking process.  This yields a richer, more sensuous wine.  

Château Cos d'Estournel is a highly versatile estate that makes both red and white wines.  They stand out among many St-Estèphes due to their higher concentrations of Merlot, instead of the usual Cabernet Sauvignon. The white wines of Château Cos d'Estournel also dazzle, with their blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.  Pagodes de Cos, their Second Wine is top notch and considered one of the best produced.  Since the 1980s, Château Cos d'Estournel has catapulted into “Super Second” territory, with wines that rival First Growths.  If he were alive today, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel would surely be very proud. 

Tasting Notes

"The 2012 Cos d’Estournel is a classic expression of St.-Estèphe, with notes of graphite, crushed rock, blackberry, blackcurrant fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, structured, but well-integrated tannins and a long finish of 35 seconds or more. This is a beauty and an undeniable top success in the Médoc for 2012. Give it 4-6 years of cellaring and drink it over the following two decades or more. The final blend, which achieved 13.8% alcohol, is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (4/29/2015, Issue 218),Ratings: 93+, Drink: 2019-2041

''The 2012 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It has a deep garnet-purple color and reveals expressive black cherries, black raspberries and red and black plums scents with subtler notes of cassis, menthol, pencil lead and cigar box plus a touch of lavender. Medium-bodied and elegantly styled, with a rock-solid frame of chewy tannins, it delivers a lively lift on the long finish. This is a lovely wine with slightly chewier tannins and less stuffing than the 2011. Needs 4-5 years.'' Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (11/30/2018) Ratings: 93+ Drink: 2022-2042

''The 2012 from Cos d'Estournel is a streamlined, elegant version of this cuvée that offers first rate notes of crème de cassis, graphite, smoked herbs and saddle leather, with hints of oak pushed into the background. Supple, medium to full-bodied and charming, yet with enough tannin to warrant short term cellaring, give bottles 5-6 years in the cellaring and enjoy over the following two decades.'' Jeb Dunnuck, Washington Versus Bordeaux (1/10/2018) Ratings: 93 Drink: 2022-2042

More Information
LWIN 1008788
Stock Status Out of Stock
Appellation Saint-Estèphe
Vintage 2012
Brand Château Cos d'Estournel
Shipping Weight 3.000000
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Saint-Estèphe is one of the most famous Left Bank wine appellations, located in the Médoc region in the north of Bordeaux, near Pauillac and Haut-Médoc. Renowned for its robust and complex wines, Saint-Estèphe is distinguished by its rich clay and gravelly soils, which give the wines a solid structure and great longevity.  

 

The wines of Saint-Estephe are made from traditional grape varieties such as Saint-Julien. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape giving the wines structure, power and longevity. It is often accompanied by Merlot which adds roundness and richness, as well as Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot which contribute to the unique character of Saint-Estephe wines. 

 

Saint-Estèphe wines are known for their depth, rich flavors, aromas and ability to age well. Initially powerful and tannic, these wines develop remarkable aromas of black fruits, cassis, spices accompanied by a spectacular color and texture. 

 

Among the most renowned châteaux of Saint-Estèphe boasts a number of 1855 crus classés, including Second Growths: Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose and Third Growths Château Calon Ségur

 

This globally recognized appellation is home to other estates as Château Lafon-Rochet, Château Cos Labory, Château Meyney, Château Phélan Ségur, Château Capbern, Château Lilian Ladouys or Château Ormes de Pez

 

Here a short video : Les genèses du terroir de Saint-Estèphe

 

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