Cos d'Estournel - Saint-Estèphe 1998

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe9/14/2009

Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel dinner at St. John. The nose is quite smoky and dusty, with a touch of green pepper, lacking a little vigour like the ’96. Very masculine, as is the palate that is foursquare, with dusty tannins, cigar box and blackberry leaf. It is very Saint Estephe with its earthy finish, although it could do with more depth and length. Noticeable salty tang just on the aftertaste. Mediocre for this estate. Drink now-2014. Tasted March 2009.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

Bottled in April, 2000, this elegant, stylish, graceful wine is an attractive, dark ruby/purple-colored effort with subtle notes of sweet oak, licorice, herbs, and black fruits. While not massive, it is medium-bodied and ripe, with sweet tannin. Forty-eight percent of the production was utilized in this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.

Wine Spectator

87 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/2001

Gorgeous spice, berry and cherry aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with plenty of good fruit and medium tannins, but a slightly hollow midpalate.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

The 1998 Cos d'Estournel still displays some hard, dry tannin, although it has softened a bit over the last nine months of barrel age. Made in a light style, with medium body, attractive black currant fruit, and a clipped, compressed finish, it will drink well between 2004-2015. Forty-eight percent of the crop was utilized in this blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

Forty-five percent of the crop made it into the 1998 Cos d'Estournel (55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot). The question mark relates to the jagged, hard tannin. While the wine is concentrated and powerful, it is also aggressive and astringent. It possesses a deep ruby/purple color, as well as sweet cassis fruit intermixed with cherry liqueur, dried herb, and pepper aromas. This wine could come around as it does display weight, richness, and a solidly endowed mid-palate, but the tannin level is cause for concern. Anticipated maturity: