Château Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France, 1990

Overview of the Wine
Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a Grand Cru vineyard located in St. Estephe. Its oriental facade is adorned with three pagoda turrets, all cast in a soft golden sandstone. Chateau Cos d'Estournel today covers 170 acres separated from Chateau Lafite, along the southern edge, by the stream between St. Estephe and Pauillac. The gravelly soil, over a flint, limestone and silicate subsoil low in nitrogen, has eroded over centuries to form steep ridges which perfectly drain the vineyards. The vineyards are planted 60 percent in Cabernet Sauvignon vines, 2 percent of Cabernet Franc, and 38 percent in Merlot. Naturally, the percentage of Cabernet or Merlot in the composition of each vintage depends on the climate which favors one grape variety or the other.

Grape / Blend
60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot

Origin
Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The fruity and very fleshy aromas of the Merlot meet the powerful yet silky Cabernet Sauvignon tannins to deliver a rich and colorful wine. The gentleness of the vintage’s fruits has given wines that are easy to drink from early on. However, its ability to age has not been disrupted, and the wine still displays a pleasant character. Between precision of the structure and elegance of the aromas, we find here one of the finest Cos d’Estournel.

95 Points - Vinous
The 1990 Cos d’Estournel is a vintage that I have not tasted for several years. I have always had a soft spot for the 1990. It does not disappoint with gorgeous scents of clove, bay leaf, and warm gravel that are almost Pomerol-like in style. The palate is fresh and lively. This 1990 is very well balanced and eschews the warmth of that summer and allows the terroir to shine. It grips the mouth and offers black truffle and sage towards the slightly grainy textured finish that lingers on the palate. What a sublime Cos d’Estournel. (NM)

94 Points - Wine Advocate
Not as concentrated as the 1982, or as most of the vintages made since 2001, the 1990 Cos has reached full maturity. It exhibits sweet berry fruit intermixed with spice box, herbs, and spring flowers. Expansive, round, and sensual, with wonderful purity as well as lushness, this irresistible wine can be enjoyed over the next 6-10 years. Release price: ($350.00/case)

92 Points - James Suckling
Refined with dark fruits with delicate spice and leather notes. It's full to medium-bodied, with fine tannins.

92 Points - Int'l Wine Cellar
Refined with dark fruits with delicate spice and leather notes. It's full to medium-bodied, with fine tannins.

Product size: 750ml