Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Cos Estournel - 2013

Viniou Reviews

Château Cos Estournel 2013 is an emblematic wine from the Saint-Estèphe appellation in the Médoc region of Bordeaux. In 2013, the vintage was marked by challenging climatic conditions, with a cool spring and a wet harvest season, prompting rigorous selection in the vineyard and careful handling in the cellar. Cos Estournel is known for its classic blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with lesser amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, though in this vintage, Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, lending structure and depth. The estate’s gravelly soils and proximity to the Gironde estuary enhance the ripening of the fruit and impart a distinct mineral character. The vinification is traditional, with fermentation in temperature-controlled vats and ageing in high-quality French oak barrels, resulting in a wine marked by subtle wood and spice notes.

Saint-Estèphe sits at the northern boundary of the Haut-Médoc, and its soils are renowned for their thickness and clay content, which retain moisture and produce robust, long-lived wines. The proximity to the Atlantic ensures a moderate maritime climate, protecting the vineyards from extreme heat and frost. The appellation’s history is steeped in the 1855 Classification, although Cos Estournel holds a prestigious status as a Second Growth, celebrated for its opulent yet structured style. The château itself, with its exotic architecture, is a testament to the cosmopolitan aspirations of its 19th-century founder.

Given its structured profile with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, and hints of spice, this wine pairs beautifully with classic Bordeaux accompaniments such as roast lamb with herbs, entrecôte à la bordelaise (steak with a red wine sauce), or game birds. Hearty dishes such as slow-cooked beef or mushroom-based recipes also highlight its earthy undertones.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one to two hours to allow its subtle complexity to unfold. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will soften its youthful tannins and reveal the delicate layers that define this elegant Saint-Estèphe.