Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

‘A brilliant year for Left Bank Bordeaux. This was stubborn in its youth and took time to open, but now stands as one of the great all-time vintages of Cos in my opinion. It has delivered yet again in this tasting, at 25 years old it's just utterly delicious with complex slate, pencil lead, graphite, undergrowth and black truffle flavours with a crushed mint finish. It is still juicy even at 25 years old, with perfectly integrated fine tannins and a ton of personality. 65% new oak.’ – Jane Anson, Decanter.com, 98/100 (Feb 2021)

‘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.’ – Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Oct 2016)

‘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’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17/20 (Apr 2015)

‘Saturated deep ruby. Ineffable aromas of black fruits, minerals, licorice and Havana tobacco. Rich, dense and thick; powerful but harmonious. Layered texture over a strong backbone. Very long on the palate, with thoroughly ripe, noble cabernet tannins. Superb.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 94/100 (May 1999)