At a glance

Producer

Château Cos d'Estournel

Region

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon (76%), Merlot (23%), Cabernet Franc (1%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150-$250

Tasting profile

Deep garnet color, aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, graphite, tobacco, and hints of graphite and spice.

Evolution: Expect gradual development of complex tertiary notes such as leather, truffle, and forest floor over the next 5-15 years.

At peak: At peak, full integration of fruit, oak, and minerality with velvety mouthfeel and lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity, typical of Saint-Estèphe

Tannins

Firm, well-structured and fine-grained

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%-14.0%

Aging potential

30-40+ years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2060

Optimal window

2025 to 2063

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

The 2016 vintage is currently developing tertiary aromas with notable tannic structure, offering good drinking with medium decanting.

The 2016 vintage for Château Cos d'Estournel is a classic structured Bordeaux with abundant tannins and ripe acidity, enabling long aging and complex evolution over decades. The vintage quality coupled with Saint-Estèphe’s terroir supports a long optimal drinking window extending well into the 2040s.

Food pairing

Best paired with rich red meats like ribeye steak, lamb, game dishes, and hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Manchego.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and reveal the complex bouquet and flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Implements water conservation, energy-efficient winery upgrades, and reduced chemical pesticide use; extensive vineyard biodiversity projects.

Château Cos d'Estournel invests in sustainable farming and energy efficiency but lacks formal organic/biodynamic certification. Export transport impacts carbon footprint, but vineyard biodiversity and resource conservation reduce environmental impact overall.