1976 Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
The 1976 Cos d’Estournel is a wine that I lambasted on the solitary occasion that I encountered it. I don’t particularly like the nose that is overwhelmed by the heat of that summer, with scent of Bovril, smudged and with ersatz brown sugar scents. But…after 10 minutes it does gain more clarity and seems to shake off that Bovril note. The palate is dry on the entry and whilst it is not green or unpalatable, the heat has rendered this one-dimensional and it feels just dulled with age. Drink soon if you still have any bottles. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical at the property.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
One of the better 1976s, Cos d'Estournel somehow succeeded in avoiding the feebleness and fragile character of many of the wines from this early maturing vintage. Now fully mature, but in no danger of collapse, this wine has a complex bouquet of red berry fruit, spices, and toasty oak. Supple, with good fruit, this soft, round, elegant wine should be drunk over the next 5 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/90.
One of the better 1976s, Cos d'Estournel somehow succeeded in avoiding the feebleness and fragile character of many of the wines from this early maturing vintage. Now fully mature, but in no danger of collapse, this wine has a complex bouquet of red berry fruit, spices, and toasty oak. Supple, with good fruit, this soft, round, elegant wine should be drunk over the next 5 years. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 2/90. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Louis Gaspard d’Estournel inherited Cos and Pomys in 1791, founding Cos d’Estournel in 1811, investing significantly in the property and expanding the estate from 14 to 45 hectares. The estate rapidly rose to prominence and the wines were exported around the world.