2003 Chateau Cos d’Estournel 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 1x750ml

Vinous 93

The 2003 Cos d’Estournel was showing wonderfully when I last tasted it at the vertical in 2018, yet five years on, I wonder whether that point in time represented its apex? Here, it has a concentrated bouquet with mulberry, stewed plums, touches of licorice and leather, slowly moving into its secondary stage. The palate is medium-bodied and has a menthol-infused entry with medicinal, Mediterranean-infused notes I did not observe before. Bold and powerful, but at 20 years of age, for the first time, I wonder whether it is losing some of its freshness and terroir expression. Tasted at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 08/08/2023]

Anticipated maturity: 2033-2050

Robert Parker 97

Two terrific efforts from this vintage, the 2003 Cos d’Estournel (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc) remains one of the superstars of the vintage. It offers an opaque ruby/purple hue as well as notes of incense, camphor, licorice, creme de cassis and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent, incredibly fresh and well-delineated, it can be consumed now and over the next decade. Kudos to the team at Cos d’Estournel. [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/08/2014]

Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024