At a glance

Producer

Château Cos d'Estournel

Region

Saint-Estèphe AOC, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (75%), Merlot (23.5%), Cabernet Franc (1.5%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$180-$250

Tasting profile

Dark blackberry, graphite, cedar, cocoa, with subtle tobacco and spice notes

Evolution: Fruit will soften, tertiary scents like forest floor and truffle will develop over the next decade

At peak: Complex harmony of mature fruit, fine grain tannins, and balanced acidity with savory depth

Structure

Acidity

Balanced and refreshing, supporting aging

Tannins

Firm and grainy, well-integrated

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5% ABV

Aging potential

35+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2059

Optimal window

2025 to 2062

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still evolving

Current condition

Showing concentrated fruit with good structure, tannins firm and ripe

This 2015 vintage from Cos d'Estournel is a powerful and tannic Saint-Estèphe that benefits from extended bottle aging; the structured tannins and refreshing acidity allow it to age gracefully for several decades. The peak decade starting ~2030 allows full integration of its rich fruit and secondary earthy characteristics.

Food pairing

Pair with grilled or roasted lamb, beef ribeye, game meats, mushroom risotto, and hard aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Includes integrated pest management, water conservation, and partial use of renewable energy at the estate

Château Cos d'Estournel implements recognized sustainable viticulture methods, focusing on minimizing chemical inputs and energy use. While exports add some transportation emissions, their efforts to optimize water and energy use on-site and use eco-conscious packaging improve overall sustainability.