Chateau Cos d'Estournel 1982

Situated in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Médoc, France, Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious Second Grand Cru Classé estate famously known as a 'Super Second'. Founded in 1811 by Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, often called the 'Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe' due to his fascination with India, the estate is renowned for its unique Oriental-inspired architecture featuring Chinese pagodas. The winemaking philosophy emphasizes precision and innovation, having pioneered the use of a 100% gravity-fed winery to ensure the gentlest possible handling of the fruit.

Wine Description

The 1982 vintage is a monumental expression of Cos d'Estournel, presenting a deep ruby-purple hue that remains remarkably saturated despite its age. The sensory profile is opulent and complex, with a stunning bouquet of cassis, black cherries, and plums layered with scents of licorice, roasted chestnuts, aniseed, and a hint of truffle. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, fleshy, and unctuous, revealing concentrated dark fruit flavours interwoven with notes of cedar, spice box, and lead pencil. It is characterized by its exceptional balance, seamless acidity, and sweet, powdery tannins that provide a silken texture and a very persistent, stylish finish. This blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot has reached full maturity but possesses the depth to hold well in a cold cellar for another decade or more.

Accolades

• Jeb Dunnuck - 97 points

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - 96 points

• Decanter - 96 points

• Vinous (Neal Martin) - 95 points

• Wine Spectator - 95 points