Chateau Cos dEstournel   Cos dEstournel

2001 Cos d'Estournel

By Chateau Cos d'Estournel

2001 Cos d'Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel, St-Estephe, Bordeaux

The millennial year heralded a vintage that struck a chord with purists and connoisseurs alike, particularly in the revered communes of Bordeaux's Left Bank. Evaluated two decades strengthened, the 2001 Cos d’Estournel from Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a testament to the resilience and elegance of St-Estephe’s terroir under advantageous climatic twists.

 

A Vintage That Defied Expectations

Against the backdrop of an initial wet season, the 2001 vintage in Bordeaux was greeted with considerable trepidation. However, a serene and dry September lent surprising grace to the final ripening period – a saving grace ensuring concentration and balance in the harvested grapes. Within St-Estephe's high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon found in its vineyards, there came forth an energized potential, brilliantly captured by Chateau Cos d'Estournel.

 

Refined Elegance From A Challenging Year

The 2001 Cos d’Estournel presents an intriguing collage of aromas; cassis interlaced with hints of truffle and leather, revealing depths that engage one's senses with every breath. On the palate, it marries maturity with vivacity – tannins having evolved graciously over time to bestow a supple backbone to a rich yet precisely structured wine. Darkness of fruit endures, suggesting plums and blackberries, with an alluring whisper of spice. Notwithstanding its age, the wine possesses a lingering vitality which proclaims its pedigree.

From an investor's perspective, this vintage stands as one of sophistication in adversity. It holds charm over enthusiasts who appreciate nuance derived from unexpected conditions. The ability of this 2001 Cos d'Estournel to not only endure but evolve into a complex and harmonious wine makes it a compelling inclusion in any discerning wine portfolio.

In conclusion, the 2001 vintage from Chateau Cos d'Estournel gleams as one of astute elegance within the patchwork of Bordeaux vintages – an exemplar meeting the conscientious investor's criterion for both rarity and reward. Its storied evolution from uncertain beginnings to present-day eminence ensures that each tasting is an expedition through time – a captivating narrative bottled within its distinguished form.

Market price (USD)

$1,870.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

109.29

Scores and tasting notes

94

The 2001 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot—a very high percentage of Merlot in this vintage and a very late harvest, which started on October 1st. Deep garnet in color, the nose is singing with savory notes of smoked meats, tapenade, bay leaves and beef drippings with a core of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, dried cherries and baked blackcurrants with wafts of peppermint tea and dried roses. Medium-bodied, the palate practically tingles with vibrant dried herbs, red fruit preserves and minty notes, structured with firm, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and minerally.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown - The Wine Advocate, 30 November 2018

93

A beautiful effort, the 2001 Cos d’Estournel (65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot) exhibits a poised, noble bouquet of black currants, cedar, spice box, and licorice. A hint of truffles emerges as it sits in the glass. Medium-bodied with sweet fruit (mostly black) and nicely integrated wood, it builds incrementally in the mouth, ending with a 50-second finish. Drink this stylish, restrained yet substantial claret over the next 15+ years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #153 June 2004

92

Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 10-Year On horizontal. There is a fine level of sweetness on the nose with red rather than black fruits: cranberry leaf and raspberry with a touch of wild strawberry and orange rind developing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with great depth and structure. Blackberry, smoke, cooked meat and crushed stone, finely poised towards the finish that has a wonderful symmetry. Lovely. Tasted March 2011.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2011

Vintage performance