1999 Château Cos d'Estournel

The 1999 Cos d’Estournel has a well-defined bouquet that takes a few swirls of the glass to get going. It is not complex or vigorous, yet nicely detailed. Melted tar and cigar humidor infuse the black fruit, becoming earthier with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a fine line of acidity. This feels quite masculine and structured, and very fresh and linear. A light fish oil note tinctures the tarry black fruit toward the finish. This exudes Saint-Estèphe character and is drinking perfectly now. (NM)

Sweet and resolved on the nose. Very round: not a tannin to be seen. Just a tad simple but pleasing and with good freshness on the finish. Just a bit chewy. All very flattering at first. Round and charming. At a completely different stage of evolution from the 2000 – much more evolved. (JR)

Sweet and subtle on the nose. Dry end. Very solid and stolid. Not much grace but there is concentration. One of the most youthful wines in the entire line-up. (JR)