Score: 95-97 RP

Region: Bordeaux

District: Saint Estephe

Type: Still Wine

Color: Red

Varietal: Red Bordeaux

Vintage: 2010

Futures Item: Yes

Available: 12

Brand: See more from Chateau Cos D'Estournel

Sku: 140928

Price: $579.99

Quantity:   

Parker Review:
Representing 55% of the production and cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, Cos dEstournels final blend in 2010 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest tiny portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Compared to the massive 2009 (14.6% natural alcohol), the 2010 achieved slightly less alcohol, but also a lower pH, which accounts for its more tannic, backward, huge style. An inky/purple color is accompanied by aromas of damp earth, black currants, blackberries, licorice and charcoal. Firm, thick and super-concentrated, it is another outrageously impressive wine that will require 6-10 years of cellaring. It should keep for 30 years. It is somewhat 2005-ish in its structure and palate impression.

Other Notes:
A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot cropped at 36hl/ha, delivering 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.5 (it was 3.68 for 2009), this has a very refined, focused bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry, Dorset plum scented nose with wonderful tension and mineralite. I really like the precision on this 2010, far more than the exotic 2009. The palate is full-bodied with quite assertive dry tannins on the entry rendering this a slightly more masculine Cos dEstournel that is quintessential Saint Estephe but nods southwards towards Pauillac. Touches of graphite and cedar interlace the pure blackberry and briary fruit with great tension towards the finish. Very fine sense of symmetry here with great length in the mouth. Back to the Cos dEstournel I love. Neal Martin, 96-98 points.