Château Cos d'Estournel, a Second Growth estate in Saint-Estèphe, was founded in the early 19th century by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel and is known for its Indo-inspired architecture. Since 2000, it has been owned by Michel Reybier, who modernized the winery while preserving its heritage.
Cos d'Estournel followed a path to the 1855 Classification that was unique to its contemporaries and essentially built the modern framework for wine exportation globally. Whereas other notable estates of the age had long established reputations built on exclusivity and borderline 'sponsorship' from nobility, Cos d'Estournel built fame through innovation and export, gaining international acclaim in countries like India and China when their peers were focusing on the European market.
Château Cos d'Estournel has received numerous accolades over the years and has been routinely referred to by connoisseurs as a 'Super Second Growth' for its consistency in challenging the First Growth producers with the quality and longevity of the Grand Vin.
The land under vine of roughly 100 hectares is situated on prime Saint-Estèphe land. The 'hill of pebbles', overlooking the Gironde, lending the name 'Cos' to the estate. The vines are roughly planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, which allows the estate flexibility when blending the Grand Vin, and is an important factor that contributes to Cos d'Estournel's extraordinary consistency,
Notably, the 2009 and 2016 vintages were awarded perfect scores of 100/100 by Robert Parker, indicating exceptional quality.
