1978 Château Cos d'Estournel
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Tasting notes
Very highly regarded by the chateau, I have found the 1978 to be very good, but not as graceful or as well balanced as the 1979. It is dark ruby with a moderately intense bouquet of herbs, black cherries, spice, oak, and leather. On the palate, the wine is medium to full bodied, with a dusty tannic texture. Anticipated maturity: Now-2005. Last tasted, 1/88.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1978 Cos d'Estournel lacks the charm and finesse that most readers associate with more recent efforts from this property. The color has taken on orange/brown hues. The nose reveals this vintage's herbaceousness, to the point of being vegetal. Leathery, dusty, coarse, intrusive tannins overwhelm the wine's fruit. Medium-bodied and fully mature, this wine will keep for a decade more, but it is barely above average in quality. Last tasted, 6/93. Wine Advocate.August, 1993
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.