Chateau Cos d’Estournel St. Estephe 2006 French Red Wine 750 mL

Dense, old vine flavors of cassis and black fruit offset by refined mineral, liquorice and tobacco notes lead into this wine’s layered, complex palate which is supported by a firm, focused backbone of sweet, ripe tannins and an elegant, balanced acidity on the extended finish.

Vinous 91 points – The 2006 Cos d’Estournel, for my mind, has always been leagues above its rival, Montrose, principally because its rival took a rare misstep in this vintage. It has an attractive ferrous bouquet with undergrowth and hints of Indian spice. The palate is medium-bodied and quite fleshy for Saint-Estephe, the Merlot in quite expressive. The texture has a satisfying graininess and that spiciness returns towards the rather conservative, steadfast finish. It is a solid Cos d’Estournel, not one from the very top drawer, but it should provide another 15 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical in London..October/2018

Wine Advocate 94 points – Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Cos d’Estournel is deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, opening with enticing scents of rosemary-crusted roast lamb, dried cherries, baked blackcurrants and mincemeat pie with touches of fallen leaves, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, lively and elegantly played in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of mineral accents on the long finish..November/2018