Cos d’Estournel 2021 — the “palace of the Médoc” at 12.74% ABV. One of the vintage’s standout successes.
Château Cos d’Estournel is a Second Growth of Saint-Estèphe and, thanks to its pagoda-topped château, the estate known as the “palace of the Médoc”. It sits on a gravel-clay plateau overlooking the Gironde estuary — maritime-influenced, with vines averaging 55 years old.
The 2021 is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in 55% new French oak, and it comes in at a modest 12.74% ABV. In a challenging year that low alcohol is a virtue: the wine is elegant and precise rather than heavy, with the gourmet glamour Cos is known for. Parker 93+, Wine Enthusiast 96–98, James Suckling 95, Jane Anson 96, Decanter 95.
Serve with: roasted red meats, lamb, or mature cheeses. Drink from 2026 to 2045 and beyond.
| Producer | Château Cos d’Estournel |
| Classification | 2ème Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth), 1855 |
| Appellation | Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Blend | 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot |
| Vineyard | Gravel-clay plateau above the Gironde; vines averaging 55 years |
| Ageing | 18 months, 55% new French oak |
| ABV | 12.74% |
| Critic Scores | Parker 93+, Wine Enthusiast 96–98, James Suckling 95, Jane Anson 96, Decanter 95 |
| Drinking Window | 2026–2045+ |
| Bottle Size | 75cl |
Yes, noticeably. It is a function of the cool 2021 season, and here it works in the wine’s favour — the result is fresh and precise rather than lean.
Clay in the soil holds water and gives Saint-Estèphe reds their firmer structure and darker fruit compared with the more perfumed Margaux to the south.
From 2026, and it will hold to 2045 and beyond. Decant if opening early.
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