Château Cos d’Estournel 2016 is a distinguished Grand Cru Classé from the Saint-Estèphe AOC in the Médoc, Bordeaux. This wine is typically a blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot providing roundness and possibly small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2016 vintage in Bordeaux is considered exceptional, marked by optimal ripening conditions that brought intensity, clarity of fruit, and refined structure. The terroir of Cos d’Estournel is notable for its gravelly soils over clay sublayers, allowing for excellent drainage and deep rooting, which is ideal for the slow, even maturation of Cabernet Sauvignon. Vinification at Cos d’Estournel combines tradition and modern precision, with careful selection in the vineyard and cellar to highlight the vintage’s best attributes, and the wine typically sees extensive ageing in French oak barrels, of which a good proportion are new.
The Saint-Estèphe appellation, situated at the northern end of the Haut-Médoc, enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, benefiting from the nearby Gironde estuary which moderates temperatures and protects vines from frost. The local soils are among the most diverse in the Médoc, with a mix of gravel, clay, and limestone contributing to the robust, structured character of its reds. Historically, Saint-Estèphe is renowned for wines with power, depth, and longevity, often showcasing earthy notes, dark fruit, and firm tannins that mellow splendidly with age.
Cos d’Estournel 2016, with its layered bouquet of blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, and hints of exotic spices, pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes. Classic Bordeaux pairings such as roast lamb, entrecôte à la bordelaise (beef with a red wine and shallot sauce), or duck breast with wild mushrooms enhance its complexity. Regional cheese like Ossau-Iraty or aged Comté can also be excellent partners, drawing out the wine’s savoury aspects.
For optimal enjoyment, decant this wine at least an hour before serving to allow its bouquet to open fully. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will balance the tannins and highlight the wine’s elegant structure and unfolding aromatics. This vintage will continue to evolve beautifully in the cellar, but is already wonderfully expressive for those seeking a classic, refined Bordeaux experience.
