Château Cos d'Estournel Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2006

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

This 2006 was a tale of 1/2 of the bottle decanted in a wide decanter and the other 1/2 left in bottle. The bottom 1/2 bottle better than the 2 hour decant. The decanted part lost complete Bordeaux character, mid palate and depth. A shorter decant was in order, but that doesn’t mean this 06 is waning. It has another 7–10 yrs from bottle. 2006 was the vintage that followed the grand 2005 vintage, not an entirely fair growing seasons. Based on the 2005 vintage, the Bordelaise overpriced the 2006 vintage. The Bordelaise disappointed in the price they sold 2005’s looked to make up their perceived losses in 2006. Except, the quality wasn’t the same. Not even close. The nose shows brambly, ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries and lean raspberry edges. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark chocolate bar, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather,. softy layered baking spices, black licorice-tarriness, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender. The palate is ripe, juicy w/ medium, rounded tannins. Ripe; blackberries, black raspberries, both plums, dark cherries, strawberries and lean raspberry. Dark, rich earth with dry leaves, dark & slightly melted chocolate, mid berry cola. steeped black tea, charcoal, graphite, soft, fresh tobacco, used leather, softy layered baking spices-nutmeg, clove, cinnamon & vanillin, mid dark spices w/ some palate heat, black licorice-tarriness, dry herbs, dry river stones, dry limestone powder/bits, dry top soil, moist, grey, volcanic clay, dark, red florals with fresh, blooming violets & understated lavender, very nice acidity, nicely balanced, well structured/tensioned w/ an elegant finish that lasts a minute plus and lands on earth & spice with mid intensity palate heat. 92 decanted. 93 the bottom 1/2 of the bottle, not decanted.

Kirsten Spalding

Iron and blackberry right off the nose. There is airy clove and black current quality to it that seems to disappear on the tongue. It reminds me of super fine, dark chocolate. The image that comes to mind is a living oak tree— it tastes alive. Pair with pets for a Beauceron, a loyal, intelligent, devoted dog breed that is known for guarding livestock. Sit in front of a fire, drinking this wine while eating some dark chocolate. Or better yet, a hearty filet mignon that you can share with your new Beauceron best friend.

Paco Suro

Medium in body. Meaty. Rounded tannins.

James Forsyth

Quite restrained. Very silky. Midweight. Some meat juices, forest floor. Not my fave but tasty and would have it again.

Beau Carson

This was spectacularly beautiful!

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

This is rich and lovely.

Jim Reed

Fine Wine Room Manager Harbor View Wines and Liquors

2006 vintage

Rafael Landestoy

Beautiful Bordeaux, nice to compare the differences between this and Ornellaia.

Cathrine Todd

Tasted at 15 vintage vertical dinner : 2006 Cos d'Estournel was wild with lots of forest floor, truffles and grilled meats on the nose, and muscular body.

William Mortelmans

excellent bottle to finish an excellent week