Wines Saint-Estèphe Cos Estournel - 2011

Cos d’Estournel 2011 is a remarkable red wine from the prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, classified as a Grand Cru. The 2011 vintage, though challenging due to a wet spring and a cool summer, produced wines of considerable finesse, especially in the hands of skilled producers like Cos d’Estournel. This estate is known for its mastery of blending, traditionally using a higher proportion of Merlot than many neighbours, balanced by Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The vineyards are planted on gravelly soils on a limestone bedrock, contributing to the wine’s distinct structure and minerality. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing in French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new, lending the wine depth and subtle spice.

The Médoc, and Saint-Estèphe in particular, sits on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary and is famed for its rich winemaking heritage. The region’s maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Atlantic Ocean, ensures a long ripening period. The gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, which lends structure and ageing potential, while Merlot adds plushness and depth. Saint-Estèphe wines are especially known for their deeply coloured, robust and complex character, always marked by a certain austerity in youth that melts over time into refined elegance.

Cos d’Estournel 2011, now with over a decade of bottle age, reveals blackcurrant, plum and hints of cigar box and spice, with firm yet harmonious tannins and a persistent, savoury finish. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, duck breast, or a traditional Bordeaux dish such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, but it will also elevate earthy mushroom dishes or a simple plate of aged Comté.

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting for about an hour will help the aromas and textures to fully unfold, revealing all the wine’s subtle complexity and charm.