$97

1999 Chateau Cos d’Estournel Tasting Notes: Dark ruby-colored 1999 Cos is a supremely elegant effort. The wine offers notes of dried Provencal herbs, smoke, licorice, black cherries, and cassis. This medium to full-bodied St. -Estephe is cerebral, intellectual, and refined. . . *Guarantee: Donor will exchange bottle if wine is (tasted) “corked” within 30 days provided bottle with wine level above the top of the label and complete original cork are returned and the auction price exceeds $200. (please use other cork to cap the returning bottle)* Chateau Cos d’Estournel History, Overview Chateau Cos d’Estournel has a long and distinguished history as a Bordeaux wine property in the St. Estephe appellation that is as interesting as the estate’s unique architecture. Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, gave his name to the estate after founding in 1811. While the wine-making facilities are completely modern, with their 100% gravity design, the outward appearance retained the original design and feel that has always been a part of Chateau Cos d’Estournel. Style and character of Cos d’Estournel Wine Chateau Cos d’Estournel is clearly one of the best producers in the Medoc. They are making one of the most exciting Bordeaux wines today! The wines are rich, sensuous, age-worthy, concentrated, refined, powerful, elegant, and tannic. They are meant to age. Even though these wines are packed, everything is in perfect balance. The perfume offers a unique incense quality, that is not found in other Bordeaux wines. Make no mistake the Bordeaux wine being produced at Chateau Cos d’Estournel today are better than anything this historic estate has made at any point in their history! Chateau Cos d’Estournel will start drinking at its best with 10 to 20 years of bottle age, but of course, that varies, with the character of the vintage. The Vineyard, Terroir and Grapes of Cos d’Estournel The 100 hectare vineyard of Chateau Cos d’Estournel is planted to 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. This shows a slight increase in the amount of Merlot planted in the vineyards. The vineyard, located on the hill of Cos, has gentle elevations of up to 20 meters at its peak. The vineyard is located close to the border between Pauillac and Saint Estephe at the southern tip of the Saint Estephe appellation. Cos d’Estournel became fully organic in 2024. On average, the vines are about 40 years of age. But the estate has very old Merlot vines as well, which date back more than 100 years. Part of the terroir is situated on the hill of Cos, which is where you find some of their best terroir. When to Drink Chateau Cos d’Estournel, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time Chateau Cos d’Estournel can be enjoyed early, with a long decanting, but it is not when the wine shows its best. The wine is much better with several years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. Most vintages demand at least 12 to 20 years before the wine starts showing its best attributes. Chateau Cos d’Estournel offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 15-40 years of life. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-4 hours or more. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Serving Chateau Cos d’Estournel with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips Chateau Cos d’Estournel is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. Young vintages can be decanted for 2-4 hours. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment. Chateau Cos d’Estournel is perfect for pairing with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted braised, and grilled dishes. Cos d’Estournel is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.