One of the 'super seconds' and definitely considered the best wine of St Estèphe. This bottle was purchased at release date and has been stored in the same temperature controlled cabinet since then.
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. It's 14.6% alcohol
"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. 2028 - 2068." 98+ Lisa Perrotti-Brown. The Wine Advocate. March 2021.
"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." 98 points. James Suckling March 2021.
"The 2018 Cos d'Estournel is a racy, powerful Saint-Estèphe that is going to need quite a bit of time to find its center. Today, it is tightly wound, but all the energy is there. Lush and extravagantly ripe, the 2018 possesses tremendous depth and plenty of energy to back it all up. Here, too, I found the wine a bit more expressive and giving en primeur. 2028 - 2058." 98 points. Antonio Galloi. Vinous. March 2021.
