Chateau Cos d`Estournel Saint-Estephe AOC 2-er Grand Cru Classe 2018

Like a novelist who maintains the same style across various stories, the Grand Cru wine is capable of expressing its specific style in different years. Chateau Cos d’Estournel has become, in the eyes of wine lovers, an archetype of a certain style of masculine elegance, where immense power is combined with grace and softness. Aged in new (50%) and two-year-old (50%) French oak barrels for 18 months, the 2018 vintage demonstrates an astonishing balance of strength and elegance. The 2018 vintage requires at least 7-10 years of additional aging. Overall, the wine will age beautifully and develop over 40-50 years. The growing season in 2018 in Saint-Estephe began, like in most Bordeaux regions, with a mild winter. However, a rainy spring triggered outbreaks of rot and mold. The summer months were so hot and dry that there was a real risk of dehydration for some vines. However, the soils, over-saturated with spring rains, now played an important role in maintaining the hydration of the vines in the upcoming dry months. High temperatures helped bring the grapes to full phenolic ripeness, while cooler nights preserved acidity and aroma in the grapes. Good weather in the fall allowed for the harvest to be done in ideal conditions. As a result, stunning wines were produced, the best of which were dark in color, with a luxurious aroma and high alcohol content. However, soft tannins, pure acidity, and aroma helped to balance the alcohol, providing the necessary equilibrium.