Château Cos d’Estournel St-Estèphe 1855 2ième Cru 2018

Just over the border from Pauillac into St Estèphe, Michel Reybier’s Cos d’Estournel is for me the wine of the 2018 vintage in St Estèphe. Perhaps because it often showcases turmeric, cinammon and saffron spices, finding them in 2018 feels in keeping with the signature flavours of the property rather than being overly marked by vintage conditions. There is complexity and power here also damson, fig, cassis and blackberry fruits, alongside muscular tannins. Fresh acidities through the finish keep a sense of momentum and this is powerful with ambition, and it carries it off perfectly. 65% of production went into the grand vin. 50% new oak (a little lower than the usual 60%).