Château Cos d'Estournel 1997

Characteristics and tasting notes for Château Cos d'Estournel 1997

Tasting Notes

Appearance
The colour reveals a deep, opaque purple hue.

Nose
Rich and enticing, the nose exudes generous aromas of ripe blackcurrant, mingled with notes of Provençal olives and smoky herbs. The whole is rounded out by subtle touches of toasted bread and liquorice.

Palate
The palate stands out for its richness and power, while retaining a beautiful elegance. With a velvety texture and enveloping richness, this wine unfolds multiple layers of fruit. Supported by moderate acidity and remarkably soft tannins, it offers a particularly charming and graceful profile.

Food and Wine Pairings
This red wine pairs wonderfully with tender meats such as beef fillet, roast veal or duck breast with figs. It will also enhance dishes with Oriental influences, such as lamb tagine with prunes or meats slow-cooked with sweet spices.

Serving and Cellaring
For an optimal tasting experience of Château Cos d'Estournel 1997, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature of around 17 to 18°C, with very brief decanting to preserve its structure. Having passed its initial peak drinking window, this wine has reached full maturity and is ready to be enjoyed now.

The charm and sensuality of a Saint-Estèphe wine

The Estate
Founded in 1811 by Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, Château Cos d'Estournel is an iconic name of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, in Bordeaux. Instantly recognisable for its unique Oriental-style architecture, this Second Growth, classified in 1855, has established itself as an essential estate on the Left Bank. Now run by Michel Reybier, owner since 2000, the estate spans around 90 hectares. Combining respect for history with modernity, the estate stands out for its environmental commitment, culminating in full organic certification in 2024.

The Vineyard
Located on the Cos hill, south of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, the vineyard is rooted in a complex terroir made up of deep gravel, clay and limestone outcrops. This geological mosaic, combined with a high planting density, allows the vines, averaging 55 years old for the grand vin, to draw deep into the soil. The immediate proximity of the Gironde estuary creates an ideal microclimate, regulating temperatures and bringing a beneficial freshness to the grapes.

The Vintage
The year 1997 was marked by variable weather conditions in Bordeaux, leading to a relatively early harvest. While this vintage is generally less structured than others, it produced wines that are particularly approachable and charming from their youth.

Winemaking and Ageing
The making of Château Cos d'Estournel 1997 relies on carefully controlled extraction aimed at preserving elegance and fruit, without seeking excessive tannic power. The wine then benefits from meticulous barrel ageing, adding aromatic complexity through delicate smoky and toasted notes, while preserving the integrity of the fruit.

Grape Varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot