Cos d'Estournel 2010

Naughty heavy bottle. Bright dark crimson. The vintage that followed the notoriously overripe 2009. Still pretty rich and sweet on the nose. And a sweet start to the palate. Next to the Montrose it seems to lack a bit of conviction and density. Just a tad smudgy, with very marked tannins. Awkward and a bit alcoholic. A bit too much cocoa. 14.5%Drink 2022 – 2045

Although there is a lot of power on the nose it is not overdone. The fruit feels ripe cassis dominates with behind layers of flavour sloe and black cherry. The tannins are firm giving structure but as they are in no way aggressive they do not over dominate the fruit.

Exotic tobacco leaf nose, superb ripe fruit and a violetty lift, more controlled and more classic than 2009, a great wine. Drink 2018-40

Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2010 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet with a touch of purple and comes at you like a variegated scent wall with profound notions of blackcurrant cordial, chocolate-covered cherries, spearmint, cigar box and hoisin plus suggestions of praline, charcoal and espresso. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with layer upon layer of black and red fruits plus tons of savory accents and a firm backbone of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing very, very long, carrying great freshness and a beautiful spearmint lift. It’s a lot like the 2005 but with the volume turned up here. These 2010s are truly locked in a time capsule. Drink 2021 - 2075.

Representing 55% of the production and cropped at 35 hectoliters per hectare, Cos d'Estournel's final blend in 2010 is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and the rest tiny portions of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Compared to the massive 2009 (14.6% natural alcohol), the 2010 achieved slightly less alcohol, but also a lower pH, which accounts for its more tannic, backward, huge style. An inky/purple color is accompanied by aromas of damp earth, black currants, blackberries, licorice and charcoal. Firm, thick and super-concentrated, it is another outrageously impressive wine that will require 6-10 years of cellaring. It should keep for 30+ years. It is somewhat 2005-ish in its structure and palate impression.

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux 2010 tasting. The Cos d'Estournel 2010 has a lovely, well defined bouquet with dense black fruit, cedar, melted tar and mint that unfolds wonderfully in the glass and just oozes class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine but firm tannins supporting layers of ripe black fruit. There is a touch of white pepper sprinkled over the finish that is long and persistent. This is just an immense Saint Estèphe for long-term aging i.e. after you have finished all your 2009s. Tasted January 2014.

Following the exotic 2009, the 2010 is reflective of the vintage, the aromatics beautifully controlled and focused with notes of blackberry, briary, cedar and graphite. It is subtle, complex and cerebral: a bouquet you want to return to again and again. The palate is sensational. The tannins are fine and supple, the acidity pitch-perfect, the balance absolutely exquisite. There is real mineralité to this Saint Estèphe, the finish exuding immense finesse and poise. What a marvellous Cos d'Estournel - a great testament to Jean-Guillaume Prats who has left for pastures new. Tasted November 2012.

Tasted twice just to check, several days apart, the first under cloudy skies, the second under blue. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot cropped at 36hl/ha, delivering 14.5% alcohol with a pH of 3.5 (it was 3.68 for 2009), this has a very refined, focused bouquet with pure blackberry, blueberry, Dorset plum scented nose with wonderful tension and mineralité. I really like the precision on this 2010, far more than the exotic 2009. The palate is full-bodied with quite assertive dry tannins on the entry rendering this a slightly more masculine Cos d'Estournel that is quintessential Saint Estephe but nods southwards towards Pauillac. Touches of graphite and cedar interlace the pure blackberry and briary fruit with great tension towards the finish. Very fine sense of symmetry here with great length in the mouth. Back to the Cos d'Estournel I love. Drink 2018- Tasted March 2011

This is a classic Cos, with wonderful layers of ultra-polished tannins and wonderful character of spices, currants and minerals. I love the finish and raciness to this. Lots of pedigree.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. 55% of total production. A real tonic. Very, very deep blackish crimson. Real energy and vitality and racy stuff. Pure, refined perfect Cabernet - pretty rich and alcoholic underneath but much, much drier and more appetising than either the 2009 - or the average Napa Cabernet, for example. Minerals and fruit in a lovely tincture. Such great texture and nobility. Racy thoroughbred Great balance and potential. Purity and energy - but you'll need to wait so long for it!