Wines Saint-Estèphe Château Cos d'Estournel - 2001

Château Cos d’Estournel 2001 is a distinguished red wine from the iconic Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. Crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot and occasionally small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2001 vintage was produced in a year marked by relatively cool weather and a classic, structured style in Bordeaux. The vineyard’s terroir, dominated by gravelly soils with clay subsoils, lends the wine remarkable depth, concentration, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The traditional vinification process at Cos d’Estournel involves meticulous selection and a blend aged in French oak barriques, often with a substantial proportion of new oak, resulting in layers of complexity and refined tannins.

Saint-Estèphe is recognised for its robust, age-worthy wines, and Cos d’Estournel sits at the northern border of the appellation, adjacent to Pauillac. The climate of the Médoc is temperate and influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, with enough rainfall and sunshine to ripen the grapes while retaining fresh acidity. The gravel soils, a hallmark of the region, allow vines to root deeply, ensuring resilience and concentration in the grapes. The history of Cos d’Estournel is equally illustrious: its dramatic architecture inspired by the Orient and a reputation for opulent, full-bodied wines have set it apart from its neighbours since the 19th century.

This 2001 vintage reveals a bouquet of cassis, black cherry, cedar wood, tobacco, and subtle spice, with evolving secondary aromas of earth and leather as it matures. On the palate, it offers firm but velvety tannins, a fresh acidity, and a persistent finish. Pairing possibilities include classic regional dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, roast rack of lamb, duck breast with wild mushrooms, or game meats. For a vegetarian option, consider grilled aubergine or a platter of aged hard cheeses such as Comté or Cantal.

To best appreciate the refinement and complexity of Château Cos d’Estournel 2001, serve it at 17-18°C, decanted for at least an hour to allow the aromas to open fully and the tannins to soften, especially if enjoyed in its secondary maturity phase.