Cos d'Estournel - Saint-Estèphe 1989

Wine Spectator

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/28/2005

Minty and rich, with blackberry and cherry aromas. Full-bodied, with a leathery, slightly woody character. Turns a bit short. This is disappointing. Weak bottle? Normally clearly outstanding. '89/'90 Bordeaux non-blind horizontal. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

The 1989 Cos d'Estournel is very good, but uninspiring. The 1989, although good, does not live up to expectations given the terroir and the vintage. Its deep ruby color is followed by a spicy vanillin, curranty nose, medium body, excellent depth, but a monolithic personality. It possesses neither the concentration nor dimension of the exceptional 1990. The 1989 possesses some hard tannin in the finish, but it is well-integrated with the wine's ripe fruit. Look for this wine to drink well for the next 15+ years.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/31/1993

While the 1989 Cos d'Estournel will, in all likelihood, prove to be an outstanding wine, I would have to rate it behind the quality of the chateau's splendid 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1990. It is a medium-bodied, rich, concentrated wine displaying an impressive color, and a nose of super-ripe black fruits, toasty oak, and licorice. It tastes like a blend of the 1985 and 1982, although it is neither as elegant as the 1985 nor as powerful and opulent as the 1982. The finish is long, alcoholic, and lush. Anticipated maturity: Now-2009. Last tasted, 7/93.

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1993

The 1989 is a medium-bodied, rich, concentrated wine displaying an impressive color, and a nose of super-ripe black fruits, toasty oak, and licorice. The finish is long, alcoholic, and lush. There is every possibility that this wine will turn out to be as good as the chateau's memorable 1953. Anticipated maturity: Now-2008.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe12/31/1992

Last Tasted 8/92 Medium deep ruby, with an open-knit nose of black fruits and toasty oak, this medium-bodied, soft, silky textured Cos d'Estournel is remarkably evolved and delicious for such a young wine. As with most 1989s, the acid is low and the tannins are soft and unobtrusive. This wine will undoubtedly close up over the next several years, but as tasty and round as it is at present, I do not believe it will last more than twenty years.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1992

While the 1989 Cos d'Estournel will is an outstanding wine, I would have to rate it behind the quality of the chateau's splendid 1982, 1985, 1986, and 1990. It is a medium-bodied, rich, concentrated wine displaying an impressive color, and a nose of super-ripe black fruits, toasty oak, and licorice. In the mouth, the wine tastes like a blend of the 1985 and 1982, although it is neither as elegant as the 1985 nor as powerful, extracted or as opulent as the 1982. The finish is long, alcoholic, and lush. There is every possibility that this wine will turn out to be as good as the chateau's memorable 1953. Anticipated maturity: 1992-2008. Tasted six times. Consistent notes.