Chateau Cos d´Estournel 1996

Bewertungen

• 98/100

  Jane Anson
  Tasted for a Decanter masterclass back in May, this is yet another wine this year that proves 1996 Médocs are totally on their game, and should not be ignored. For me this is one of the all-time best vintages of Cos, combining the gourmet truffle and cocoa bean welcome that this estate is known for with the powerful tannic frame of St Estephe, and ripe but still juicy cassis fruits. So much personality and pleasure on offer here. 65% new oak."

• 19/20

  Weinwisser
  Mittleres Granat-Rubin. Sehr röstiges Bouquet, Kaffeenoten und schwarze Oliven, Pumpernickel, Tabak, grünwürzige, aber parfümierte Cabernet-Würze. Saftiger Gaumen, Süsse zeigend, auch Süsse ausstrahlendes Terroir, grazil, im Moment etwas schlanker als bislang, mit der Luft immer mehr zulegend, anscheinend bald eine erste Genussreife erreichend, jetzt noch zwei Stunden dekantieren."

• 94/100

  The Wine Cellar Insider
  The aromatics capture the wines mature essence with its earthy wet forest floor, tobacco leaf, cigar box and bright red fruits. There is lift in the fruit, coupled with a leafy, red berry assortment in the finish. This is probably close to fully mature, where it should remain for at least 15 or more years before entering its slow decline."

• 94/100

  The Wine Advocate
  Tasted at the château, the 1996 Cos d'Estournel was aged in 65% new oak (unlike the 1995 which was 100%) and is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. It has a straight down the line, intense and focused, graphite and melted tar bouquet. It is almost Pauillac in style, no surprise given its proximity. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity, finer tannin than the 1986 Cos d'Estournel tasted alongside, but sharing those same leitmotifs of black pepper and sea salt. I like the nonchalance of this Cos d'Estournel. At 20 years it is not an ostentatious wine, not determined to go out and impress, but its nuance, stylishness and classicism grow on you. Its virtues seem to register only after you swallow the wine and find yourself tempted back for more. Excellent."

• 17/20

  Jancis Robinson
  At first there was a slightly green note on the nose but then on the palate the fruit was rich, dense and rather glorious. As it opened up in the glass I got the slightest suggestion of brett on the nose, followed by a hint of ashes. It's pretty good stuff but not nearly as thrilling as the 1989 served alongside it."

• 90/100

  Wine Spectator
  Lots of tobacco, berry and spice character on the nose. Light herbal undertone. Full-bodied, with fine tannins and a caressing, pretty-textured finish. Chewy. I would wait a little. 1995 looks better to me now. Outstanding but not as exciting as I remember."