2008 Chateau Cos d'Estournel

ABOUT THE WINE
With its unusual towers alluding to the Taj Mahal (the wines of the estate were immensely popular on the Indian subcontinent throughout the early years of production), the Chateau Cos d'Estournel is something of a landmark in the Medoc. Undoubtedly the leading estate in Saint-Estephe, it is named after Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, the 19th Century owner responsible for its unique architecture. Located on the border of Pauillac, just north of Lafite, on a south-facing gravel-rich ridge (the Cos hill, Old-Gascon for pebbles), the estate consists of 84 hectares of vines, with some Merlot vines over 100 years old. Classified 2eme Cru, the estate is rightly lauded for its full-bodied, age-worthy, brooding wines which rival any of the First Growths

TASTING NOTES
A stunner. Dense and powerful aromas, dominated by the cherry and cassis of Cabernet Sauvignon, full of meaty, smokey, tobacco-laced complexity. Bright and lively on the palate, with the same depth and intensity as the aromas. A sleeper, which will require at least 8 years before it starts to show its best, with ageing potential to 2038.

FOOD PAIRING
A wine of sufficient poise to pair excellently with a wide range of beef dishes, from carpaccio to a hearty stew.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Compared favourably to Lafite and Latour in this vintage, this wine is very deserving of the ‘super-second’ moniker.