1986 Chateau Cos d’Estournel 2eme Cru Classe, Saint-Estephe 12x75cl

Neal Martin 92

The 1986 Cos d’Estournel is a vintage that I have not tasted in several years. It is old-school Bordeaux on the nose with lovely liquorice and pencil box aromas as I found before, a touch of wild mint joining the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and lithe, very well structured though time has mellowed those grainy tannins. The finish displays slightly grainy textures and just a hint of menthol. The 1986 is perfect to drink now. Tasted at the chateau. [Neal Martin, 31/05/2026]

Anticipated maturity: 2026-2038

Wine Advocate 92

Tasted at the property, the 1986 Cos d’Estournel, which was aged in 90% new oak and is a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, is a vintage that I had not tasted for a number of years. It has a healthy color, quite deep with just a thin bricking on the rim. The nose is quite intense, quite voluptuous for a 1986, perhaps blind I might have mistaken it for a 1985. Red plum, licorice and graphite, there is something rounded and sensual about this 1986-although it does not have the complexity of the greatest vintages of Cos d’Estournel. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, savory and almost meaty on the mouth, nicely balanced and then…BAM! There’s a real spicy, black pepper kick on the finish originating from the Cabernet Sauvignon. It does not possess the structure or persistence of the greatest 1986s, rather a Claret that I know would just shine and complement dishes at the dinner table. Drinking perfectly now, this Cos d’Estournel has another 15-20 years to offer. Tasted July 2016. [Neal Martin, 28/09/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2016-2034