Wine Enthusiast

Cos d'Estournel has softened those austere Saint-Estèphe tannins and produced a wine that is all opulence and roundness. The tannins are certainly there, but they come through as big, bold richness. The power suggests it will age well, but for drinking earlier, the freshness of the sweet homemade plum jam promises well. (RV)

(03/2009)

Decanter

More oak imprint than many of its neighbours, with vanilla bean, blackberry and dark cherry compote. Oak tannins just slightly cut off the finish but the team (under Jean Guillaume Prats at this point) gets away with it by underlining the spicy exoticism that is so intrinsic to Cos. The concentration and minerality suggest great potential for ageing. (JA)

(06/2016)

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Good deep ruby-red. Expressive aromas of dark raspberry, smoked meat, black olive, iron, smoke and tobacco. Lush, broad and sweet, with a deep smoky, meaty sweetness and outstanding palate coverage. For all its breadth and silkiness, there's no shortage of energy and definition. Finishes impressively long, with chewy, sweet tannins that dust the front teeth. (ST)

(05/2009)

James Suckling

This is very meaty and spicy now with hints of leafs and wet earth. Full body, chewy tannins and a medium finish. Ready for drinking. But has life ahead of it.

(11/2015)

Wine Spectator

A racy, fresh style, with the lighter profile of the vintage pulling in red currant and bitter cherry flavors, while the telltale thread of charcoal and bay lingers as well. The tannins are ever so slightly grainy, but the fruit has subtle persistence in the end. (JM, Web-2016)

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London.The 2006 Château Cos d'Estournel has a far superior bouquet to the Montrose, much more fruit intensity with ferrous red berry fruit, hints of undergrowth and Indian spice (most appropriate!). The palate is medium-bodied with supple Merlot-driven savory red fruit, a little grainy in texture with moderate depth, leading to a spicy finish that seems quite forward for a Cos d'Estournel at this juncture. There is no harm in drinking this now, though I wager that it will offer another ten years of pleasure. (NM)

(05/2016)

Jancis Robinson

Fabulous, open and complex on the nose – ripe fruit with an autumnal decay aroma to it, and earthy notes that give beautiful complexity. Clay-textured tannin, still firm but already drinkable. Long, fragrant finish. Reasonably light bodied leading to a caressing finish. Lovely! (RH)

(09/2017)