Tasting Notes
Neal Martin 91
The 1995 Cos d Estournel was matured in 100% new oak and according to the estate was intentionally picked at a higher ripeness level than previous years. It is definitely showing more maturity than the 1996 Cos d Estournel with more bricking evident on the rim. Similarly the nose does not convey the same vigor and fruite as the following vintage, with notes of cigar humidor, woodland and autumn leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, which is probably its best quality. It is a little drier than I would like, although the acidity is well judged and there are attractive notes of clove and bay leaf towards the finish. It translates Saint-Estephe typicite but just falls short of the superior wines produced from the modern day onwards. Tasted at the Cos d Estournel vertical at the property.
Anticipated maturity: 2018-2030
Stephen Tanzer 92+
Red-ruby color, not quite as saturated as the ’96. More roasted and less minerally than the ’96: notes of black fruit, game, and toasty oak. Tightly wrapped and rather taut today, but offers terrific concentration and length. Today the wine tannins are very visible, and perhaps not quite as sweet as those of the ’96, and firm acids are not yet in complete harmony with the wine. But this will be superb with six to eight years of bottle aging.
Wine Advocate 90
Tasted from a double-magnum at dinner at the chateau in 1999, it was another immensely backward, masculine wine. Then at the Farr horizontal, it had failed to develop as I would like. The nose is more subdued than last time, very oakey and broody. The palate still has excessive new oak (100% in fact) and is very fleshy with super-ripe raspberry and strawberry. It is enjoyable but lacks typicity. I actually prefer the 1994 to the 1995. Tasted September 2005.
JancisRobinson.com 16.5
Mid crimson. A little bit of age on the rim. Quite evolved in a slightly animal sort of way. Mellow and easy even if well into its prime. Sweet and lacks just a little freshness.
Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017
