1999 Cos d'Estournel, St-Estèphe
SKU #998548
89
points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Red-ruby. Wild aromas of redcurrant, minerals, leather, gunflint and game; developing faster than either of the more recent vintages are likely to do. A wine of modest density and fat, and currently rather austere, but possesses very good vinosity and length. Tannins are slightly dry but fine.
(6/ 2002)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
(4/ 2002)
Wine Spectator
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.
(3/ 2002)
K&L Notes
Shows a lot of mineral and oriental spice in the nose, and those scents really opened up after a few minutes in the glass. The terroir shines through. When asked to compare it to wines from previous vintages, Mr. Prats mentioned it reminds him of the 1985 though not quite as fat. Superb length. The wine shows its Cabernet tannins, but they’re well integrated. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot in the vineyard, and in the blend. 55% new oak. Only 40% of the crop went into the grand vin.