Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Cos d'Estournel - 1983

Viniou Reviews

Château Cos d’Estournel 1983 is a remarkable Grand Cru from the prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation in the Médoc, Bordeaux. Crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot and often a touch of Cabernet Franc, this vintage reflects the structured yet generous style characteristic of the estate. The 1983 season was marked by a hot, dry summer, resulting in concentrated berries that contributed depth and ripe tannins to the wine. Cos d’Estournel, famously known as “the Oriental Grand Cru” because of its exotic architectural motifs, vinifies its wines with a focus on traditional methods, allowing the unique terroir to express itself through long ageing in French oak.

Saint-Estèphe enjoys a privileged location on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, benefitting from a temperate maritime climate. The gravelly soils rest atop a limestone and clay base, ensuring optimal drainage while retaining essential moisture—a combination that promotes slow and steady grape ripening. Saint-Estèphe’s wines are recognised for their robust structure, depth, and longevity, traits that have historically set them apart within Bordeaux, tracing back centuries to when the region gained international acclaim for its powerful reds.

A mature bottle of Cos d’Estournel 1983 reveals tertiary aromas of leather, cigar box, truffle and dried fruits, accompanied by fading notes of cassis and cedar. Such complexity lends itself particularly well to classic pairings like roast lamb with rosemary, beef Wellington, or duck breast in a wine reduction. For a more regional touch, try it with entrecôte à la Bordelaise or a hearty mushroom gratin, both of which complement the wine’s earthy nuances. Aged Saint-Estèphe also stands up beautifully to hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty.

For tasting, it is recommended to decant the wine gently for around one hour to help it open up and to separate any sediment. Serve at a temperature of 17-18°C to fully appreciate its bouquet and elegance, as excessive warmth may accentuate oxidation while cooler service may mute its subtleties. Enjoy this wine in fine crystal Bordeaux glasses to capture all its aromatic depth.