Cos d'Estournel - Saint-Estèphe 1999 b5952cb1c3ab96cb3c8c63cfb3dccaca

Wine Advocate

89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe9/14/2009

Tasted at the Cos d'Estournel dinner at St. John. This has a ripe strawberry, blackberry almost floral nose although there is a slight ephemeral quality to it. Lacks the dimension of say the '90 or the '00. Traits of raspberry, scorched earth and a touch of cedar/mint emerging with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied, good acidity, quite rounded and harmonious, but it is a two rather that three-dimensional wine. It seems to be more Merlot driven than other vintages, although the tarry foursquare finish is attractive if not intellectual. This is a moderate success, nothing more. Drink now - 2018. Tasted Marche 2009.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2002

The dark ruby-colored 1999 Cos is a supremely elegant effort. The wine offers notes of dried Provencal herbs, smoke, licorice, black cherries, and cassis. This medium to full-bodied St.-Estephe is cerebral, intellectual, and refined, but lacking soul and hedonism. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2018.

Wine Spectator

87 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2002

Tobacco and coffee aromas, with hints of fruit. Full- to medium-bodied, with fine tannins and a fruity finish. A bit short for Cos, but delicate and refined. Best after 2004.

Wine Advocate

87-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2001

The 1999 Cos has fleshed out over the last year. A very good, deep ruby/purple-colored effort with sweet tannin, it offers classic aromas of cigar box, black currants, cherries, and plums. Medium-weight and elegant, with more of a mid-palate than it exhibited last year, this stylish, silky wine will be delicious upon release. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/2000

Cos d'Estournel has fashioned the best of an uninteresting group of 1999 St.-Estephes. The heavy, clay soils of this northern Medoc appellation retained too much moisture, and even a severe selection in the chai could not overcome the 150 mm (about six inches) of rain that fell during the last 16 days of September. Cos d'Estournel's harvest occurred September 17 to October 2, and the wine, which represents only 40% of the crop, is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The 1999 exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to elegant, suave, black and red fruit aromas with vague floral and spicy new oak notes in the background. There is good softness and medium body on the attack, but the wine is short with a touch of dilution. However, there is charm and it has far more to it than any other St.-Estephe tasted. Anticipated maturity: now-2012.