2022 Chateau Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estephe
The 2022 Chateau Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estephe is a stunning expression of Bordeaux's terroir and the vintage's potential. This red wine blend exhibits a deep, almost opaque color, hinting at its concentration and richness. The nose is captivating, offering an enticing mix of dark fruits like blackcurrants and plums, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco, and exotic spices. On the palate, it reveals a powerful yet elegant character, with velvety tannins and a backbone of vibrant acidity. The flavors unfold harmoniously, showcasing blackberries, black cherries, espresso, and hints of licorice. The wine culminates in a long, lingering finish, promising a remarkable aging potential and a truly memorable tasting experience.
Situated between Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, and separated from Château Lafite by the stream known as La Jalle du Breuil (The Breuil Brook), the hill of Cos rises dominates the Gironde from the height of almost 65 feet. Certainly impressive to lay eyes on, and it's exactly what sets the wine apart as well - both in the bottle and on the label. In the old Gascon language, the word "Cos" means "The Hill of Pebbles." And as a matter of fact, the hill of Cos, which is situated on the banks of the Gironde, is an impressive accumulation of Quaternary gravel wrested from the distant mountains of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees and laid on Saint-Estèphe's limestone bed when the primeval river receded. These well-draining slopes formed by erosion have deep layers of gravel - making it not only a geological curiosity, but one of the most precious terroir in the world. Vines can root deeply into these arid soils looking for moisture. As a result the vines work hard and end up producing an intensely flavored and one-of-a-kind wine.
Wine Advocate
The 2022 Cos d'Estournel unwinds in the glass with aromas of sweet berries, plum liqueur and rich spices, followed by a full-bodied, broad-shouldered and muscular palate that's rich and structured, with a ripe core of fruit and chewy tannins. Harvest dates were relatively early this year, and maturation is occurring in only 50% new oak; yet the 2022's chunky, glass-staining style makes it Ducru Beaucaillou's only rival for the title of most extracted second growth of the Médoc.
Wine Enthusiast
The qualities of the 2022 vintage have been good to Cos d'Estournel. Freshness and black fruits have lightened the tannins into a fine and juicy wine. The result is impressive—a superb, generous and structured wine that is one of the best from the estate for many years.
Vinous
The 2022 Cos d'Estournel was picked from 7 to 23 September at 33hL/ha and is aged in 50% new oak (one cannot imagine that being countenanced 15-20 years ago). It has an overtly floral nose with wilted violets infusing the precocious yet controlled black fruit. There's fine delineation, impressive focus and energy. The palate is smooth and silky on the entry with pliant, sculpted tannins. The acidity is well judged (3.79pH) with white pepper and a graphite element toward the persistent finish. Quintessential Cos d'Estournel, this wine will mature for many years, although the jury's out on whether it will surpass triumphs like the 2016 or 2019/20.
James Suckling
Unique structure to this wine and very Cos with all the spices and dark fruits. Tobacco and cedar. It's starts off full-bodied and flavorful, but continues to unfold in an energetic and weightless way. Savory and primary. Al dente grapes here. Exciting and thought-provoking.
Jeb Dunnuck
One of the finest wines to ever pass my lips, the 2022 Château Cos D'Estournel is a monument in the making. Based on 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot, and 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this saturated ruby/purple-hued Saint-Estèphe offers a full-bodied, massive, opulent style as well as perfumed red, blue, and black fruits, ample spice, chocolate, graphite, and lead pencil-like aromatics, a stacked mid-palate, flawless balance, and a monster of a finish. An improved version of the 2009 (if that's possible), this is a legendary wine in the making. Hats off to Michel Reybier and technical director Dominique Arangoïts
Decanter
Fresh and vibrant blackcurrant aromas with milk chocolate, vanilla and floral scents - so aromatic and expressive. Juicy and alive, bright and vibrant on the palate with soft herbal scents surrounding the fruit. The flavours - blackcurrant, black cherry, damson and orange rind - settle vertically but the firm and textured tannins give the focus, structure and tension. It has liquorice and flint edges all the way giving a savoury touch and clear minerality as well as dark chocolate and clove spice. Refined and serious but also there’s such a delicious juicy undercurrent giving life and energy. Confident winemaking on show, this is a real success in delivering a complete and powerful wine with depth but no heaviness. Totally delicious and moreish. A wine you're going to finish! Potential upscore in bottle. Two-third grand vin production. 2.94 total acidity. 3.79pH. 90 IPT. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.