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Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Vinous
2004 Chateau Cos d’Estournel – Structured Saint-Estèphe with Classic Appeal
The 2004 Chateau Cos d’Estournel captures the traditional depth and spice of Saint-Estèphe with a vintage that emphasizes clarity and structure over sheer power. Located just north of Pauillac, Cos d’Estournel is known for its exotic architectural style and its wines that age gracefully over decades. This Second Growth estate, classified in the 1855 Grands Crus Classés of Médoc, continues to be a benchmark for Left Bank collectors.
Tasting Notes
The 2004 shows a composed, savory bouquet of cedar, dried tobacco, and blackcurrant, underpinned by earthy mineral tones. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with well-integrated tannins, delivering notes of graphite, cassis, and cigar box. It finishes with a classic Médoc grip, offering elegance over opulence.
Winemaking & Vineyard Details
This vintage is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with small proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The gravel and clay-rich soils of Cos d’Estournel provide the foundation for its structure and longevity. Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, followed by aging in French oak barrels (about 50% new) for 18–20 months.
Investment & Collectibility
The 2004 vintage is quietly gaining recognition for its aging trajectory and classical profile. For collectors who favor subtlety, balance, and evolution in their Bordeaux portfolio, this Cos is perfect for your collection. Its drinking window is now fully open, though it remains stable for further cellaring.
Vintage Insights
2004 was a return to classicism after the ripe 2003 vintage. A cool spring and moderate summer, followed by an extended harvest, allowed for optimal phenolic maturity. Cos d’Estournel benefited from patient picking, resulting in wines with precision and aging potential.
















