WineSpectator Review:
Lots of tobacco, berry and spice character on the nose. Light herbal undertone. Fullbodied, with fine tannins and a caressing, prettytextured finish. Chewy. I would wait a little. 1995 looks better to me now. Outstanding but not as exciting as I remember.95/96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008.
Parker Review:
Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this is a huge, backward wine. The 1996 possesses an opaque purple color, as well as pure aromatics consisting of cassis, grilled herbs, coffee, and toasty new oak. Massive in the mouth, and one of the most structured and concentrated young Cos dEstournels I have ever tasted, this thick, structured, tannic wine has closed down significantly since bottling. It requires 78 years of cellaring, and should last for 30 to 35 years. It is a fabulous Cos, but patience is required. Anticipated maturity 2006 to 2030.
Tanzer Review:
Saturated deep ruby. Ineffable aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and Havana tobacco. Rich, dense and thick powerful but harmonious. Layered texture over a strong backbone. Very long on the palate, with thoroughly ripe, noble cabernet tannins. Superb.
