Viniou Reviews
Château Cos d'Estournel 1986 is a benchmark red wine from the prestigious Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc. This vintage is crafted primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, and small amounts of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, all sourced from the château’s renowned gravel and clay-limestone soils. The 1986 vintage is particularly celebrated for its density, aromatic complexity, and ageing potential, having benefited from a warm and dry growing season. Cos d'Estournel is known for meticulous vinification, including traditional fermentation and extended maturation in high-quality oak barrels, imbuing the wine with depth and structure.
Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost major appellation in the Médoc, noted for its unique terroir, where gravelly hilltops give way to heavier clay subsoils. This composition yields wines of admirable power, structure, and longevity. The maritime climate, moderated by the nearby Gironde estuary, ensures steady ripening and nuanced aromatic development. Saint-Estèphe’s winemaking history stretches back centuries, and Cos d’Estournel itself is famed not only for its extraordinary wines but also for its exotic, pagoda-topped château, reflecting a spirit of innovation.
Cos d’Estournel 1986 is wonderfully suited to robust, flavourful dishes. Classic pairings include slow-roasted lamb with rosemary, beef Wellington, or matured hard cheeses such as Comté. For a regional touch, try it with entrecôte à la bordelaise, featuring a shallot and red wine sauce, or a cassoulet rich in confit duck and pork. The wine’s earthy undertones and persistent tannins also create a sublime match with wild mushroom dishes or truffle-infused recipes.
To best appreciate the nuance of this mature Bordeaux, decant gently for 1-2 hours to separate it from any sediment and allow the bouquet to unfurl. Serve at 17-18°C; this temperature reveals the full spectrum of developed fruit, tobacco, cedar, and savoury notes, offering a memorable tasting experience for discerning collectors.
