Cos d'Estournel 2001

A beautiful effort, the 2001 Cos d’Estournel (65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot) exhibits a poised, noble bouquet of black currants, cedar, spice box, and licorice. A hint of truffles emerges as it sits in the glass. Medium-bodied with sweet fruit (mostly black) and nicely integrated wood, it builds incrementally in the mouth, ending with a 50-second finish. Drink this stylish, restrained yet substantial claret over the next 15+ years.

Rich and slightly bretty on the nose. Very obtrusive tannins. Lots of substance and impact. Earthy and very Saint-Estèphe. Very tough tannins. Big certainly but lacks a bit of juice at the moment – some question about the health of this bottle and there was no back up to look at.