David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

Is there any meal better than steak (Ribeye) and well aged Claret? This is another 1991 Bordeaux experiment of mine. 1991 was a vintage with horrible frosts and a less than favorable growing season, right? A vintage critically panned. This is my 3rd recent 91 from a good producer. And again, it didn’t disappoint. Like 97 and 07, it’s better with the right bottle age than young. Magic evolution happened in the bottle way down the road. This 91 is in great form with a fair amount of life ahead of it. On the nose; a little ripe fruit funk, wonderful dark & lighter red cassis, ripe blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries, vanilla, light cinnamon, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs and fresh & dry red flowers. The body/palate is medium, round, ripe & still fresh. The tannins nearly completely resolved. Ripe, floral fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, poached strawberries, plums, hues of blueberries, black raspberries, dry cranberries & half cooked rhubarb. Vanilla, light cinnamon, touch of clove & nutmeg, rich, black turned earth, cedar, soft leather, dry stones, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, notes of dry herbs, a little band-aid and fresh & dry red flowers. The acidity drips over the palate and the long, well balanced, still structured, nice tension, good length finish lasts over a minute. Again, love & appreciate the 12.5% alcohol. What a beauty with and without the steak. Next time you’re in your fine wine retail shop and see a quality producers 91 that’s been well stored, buy it and have it with a Ribeye. Photos of; their exotic Estate, Chateau interior, newer barrel room and their vines as viewed from the front of the Chateau that are across the road. Producer notes and history...Cos d’Estournel has a long distinguished history in the St. Estephe. Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, gave his name to the estate after founding in 1811. It did not take long before Cos d’Estournel became famous with wine lovers and royalty all over the world. In those early days, Cos d’Estournel did not sell through Negociants. The owner preferred selling his wine directly to his customers. In fact, Cos d’Estournel was exported to numerous countries across the globe, with a large portion of the production being sold to India. It was that connection to India that inspired much of the unique, east Indian design we see at Cos d’Estournel today. Cos d’Estournel was one of the first Bordeaux Chateaux’s to bottle, label and sell their own wine. This practice continued until the death of Louis Gaspard d’Estournel in 1852. If you’re at the property, the statue on the bench in the front courtyard is of the founder, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel. The Estate was then purchased by an owner that sold their wines on the Place de Bordeaux using the negociant system. If the Chateau was not selling their wines through the negociant system, it would never have been included in the 1855 Classification. Imagine that! So, it turned out to be a fortuitous decision. Cos d’Estournel was sold to the Charmolue family owners of the neighboring Estate of Chateau Montrose. They continued to own the estate until 1917, when it was bought by Fernand Ginestet. This purchase was the beginning of the next major step in the development of Cos d’Estournel. Decades later, the grandchildren of Fernand Ginestet, Jean-Marie Prats, Yves Prats and Bruno Prats took over ownership and management of Cos d’Estournel. In 1995, Bruno Prats sold the property to the Merlaut family, owners of the Taillan Group. The next era in the development of Cos d’Estournel took place in 2000, when Cos d’Estournel was bought by the industrious and wealthy Michel Reybier, who earned his fortune in the food industry. Michel Reybier hired the son of Bruno Prats, Jean-Guillaume Prats to manage Cos d’Estournel. Things further improved with the efforts of Jean-Guillaume Prats who helped design the most modern wine making at that time. A complete renovation of Cos d’Estournel took place in not only the wine making facilities and cellars, but in parts of the Chateau as well. While the wine making facilities are completely modern with their 100% gravity design, the outward appearance retained the original design and feeling that has always been a part of Cos d’Estournel. On October 15, 2012, Jean Guillaume Prats announced he was leaving Cos d’Estournel to join LVMH (Pichon Baron). Jean Guillaume Prats was replaced by Aymeric de Gironde. Following the departure of Aymeric de Gironde in 2017, the owner, Michel Reybier took over managing the Estate. What makes the remodel special is that the cellars of Cos d’Estournel are entirely operated by gravity. There are no pumps of any kind to force the wine. The purpose is to allow a gentleness to the wine and improve its purity and allow for the expression of their terroir. It set a new benchmark for cellars not only in the Left Bank, but in all of Bordeaux. Perhaps, the most inventive part of the cellars is the four 100 hectoliter lift tanks or wine elevators that replace the pumps used in the traditional pumping over and the racking off processes, which introduce air and often destabilize the marc. From the moment the grapes arrive, everything travels by the flow of gravity. Jean Guillaume Prats called this process a “pumpless pump over.” The 91 hectare vineyard of Cos d’Estournel is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The vineyard is located extremely close to the border between Pauillac and Saint Estephe at the southern tip of the Saint Estephe. The Estate has very old Merlot vines as well, which date back more than 100 years. Part of the terroir is situated on the hill of Cos, which is at a high elevation for the Medoc at 20 meters. They also make a second wine called Pagodes de Cos. This is a great wine to buy in very good vintages. Especially, if your budget prohibits you from purchasing their first wine. — 7 years ago

Jason Miller

9.5

The 2013 Rose of Pinot Noir... Not your typical Rose'. A delicious varietal with an elegant flavor. A definite "buy" if you ever see it for sale. — 9 years ago

Jacob Robbins

9.0

If you see this Rosé buy it. Notice how mine is already gone at time of photo. VRAC is made from surplus grapes in southern France. It is the two buck chuck of Provence. They have a Chardonnay and a Pinot as well but the Rosé is an unbeatable value. ~$10 — 9 years ago

Steven Foster

Wine buyer Belmont Wine Exchange

9.3

Thatcher is such an underrated little family winery in paso hills by Justin. If you ever see some of these make sure to jump on it. — 9 years ago

with Susan

Jeffrey Lew

9.4

I figured I'd see what the big deal is and pop one of these bad boys. Big fruit nose and great symmetry but slight heat is holding me back from going up a few more points. This has the stuffing for greatness in 3-5years when it comes together, bit for now still quite primal. If you like your Pinot young and ripe then go for it, but I will wait a few years. 94pts — 9 years ago

Beki Miller

9.6

If you look closely you can see the shape of Brazil in their logo — 10 years ago

Anders Vonstett

9.4

If you look closely you will see the "genie in a bottle" — 10 years ago

Michael Lobaza

9.7

Excellent offering from ifyouseekaywine.com. — 11 years ago

Ted Boydston

9.0

Today's selection for contemplating hurricane Irma's arrival Sunday here in Melbourne, FL. Fine cherry character, almost jammy, tamped down by a slight petrol undertone. Light, yet acidic, mouthfeel, lingers for many minutes. Probably passed by this winery in McMinnville, OR during a visit years ago to see small boutique wineries and the spruce goose. Wished I had seen it, even though this is a multi-vineyard multi-appellation blend. Worth a spin, especially at the price, if you can get a bottle out of the 1100 cases produced. — 7 years ago

Kyle Harvey

9.2

Christmas Day bubbly...Our favorite Etna sparkler...the 2008 was 👌👌👌. If you see this one on the shelf, grab it. — 7 years ago

Kyo Jin

9.3

Very competent and slick with much composure and with tremendous confidence. Just lovely. Get one if you see one. — 8 years ago

Matthew Walsh

9.3

You want some seriously good champagne - look no further - at a price you wouldn't believe. Grand cru at less than €20. This is only bested by the top cuvées of the big houses. Bought at the winery in Sillery - don't know how widely it's distributed, but if you see it, buy it. — 8 years ago

Krystalle

10

Day 1: Very light and fruity- I was expecting something heavy and a little bitter, based in what I'd read of the grape. But it was quite easy to drink and went well with my steak and salad. I would have picked slightly lighter fare than steak if I had known this wine would be so lively! If I can get this again, I will age it to see how it compares.

Day 2: Matured noticeably, much more body, less easy drinking but still delicious, if not moreso. I now get a slight oak(?) edge, with notes of coca. I do get a bit of fruit, but it's bow blackcurrant. So if you did not like this Tempranillo when you opened it, try it the next day. It transforms quite a bit. I liked both. A perfect wine experience.
— 8 years ago

Brad Koko

9.5

Do yourself a favour and buy yourself two of these bottles if you see it at your favourite wine shop. — 8 years ago

Richard Kim

9.0

Nice wine. Enjoyed the lighter body and milder red fruit of this wine. A whiff of leather and tobacco on nose and some earth on the palate. Wouldn't really say any floral quality to this Pinot. If you anthropomorphize this wine, I can see describing her as "elegant" and "soft" and "smooth". But did not achieve "sexy" or "seductive" status for me. Second date? Sure. Why not? — 9 years ago

Charlie Beatty

Buyer wineworksonline.com

9.7

If you really want to see what Roar Pinot Noir is about? Try their Santa Lucia Highland Vineyard! Awesome juice. The 2013 is the complete package . I have it on my club level which is my Best Price at 42.98 the Reg Price 54.99... Do not miss here!!! I love the 2013 even better than 2012. YUP Big Statement! You try and let me know. CB 97.. — 9 years ago

Mark Cochard

Sommelier phillywine.com, Chaddsford Winery

9.1

Enjoyed this wine very much at the Domaine in 2023. Good to see inour market in PA. Rich lush with a hint of RS, Mouthcoating with citrus, minerality and very long finish. Check out his other wines if you can find them. — 9 years ago

Daniel McCullough

Sommelier/Wine Director Oenotri

10

1994. So incredible it's spooky!! A special experience. Still so complex and alive. Evolved over several hours (didn't decant, though if "rushed" it could take it.) If you ever see it, get it and believe! — 9 years ago

Lara H

9.2

Best red priorat I have had. If you see this, get it! — 10 years ago

Steve Bozich

9.1

Upper Sonoma coast, flinty and minerally and lemon citrus. They got away from that on a couple recent bottling - not sure if it was the harvest or a change in style, but it was more lush. They already do some really nice Vouvray and Roussanne. Dry - man, you should see photos of their "soil"! — 7 years ago

Erika B

9.1

One of my absolute faves. If you see it,buy all of it like I just did. — 7 years ago

Ron Siegel

9.2

Drink up if you have some! Sweet ripe red fruits, damp earth, mushroom, tobacco and licorice spice. Can't see this getting better over time. — 7 years ago

Meg

9.7

Friday 5pm. Take off the heels, take on the wine! I had the pleasure of catching up with Jeff Shifflett this week, on the heels 😜 of sending one of my customers to see him. (He actually has wine for sale right now for those interested) Love this guy. If you are visiting Napa and you want the ultimate personal experience, he is your man. Passionate about his process -- from the soil to the bottle -- he is basically a one man show and does it so well. So talented, but yet completely down to earth. All of his wines are ridiculous. People are catching on -- he has a Merlot JV with Nickel & Nickel launching soon. #shifflett #winedown #heelsyes — 8 years ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.0

One of my favorites. Rare. If you see, grab it. Pretty old school though. — 8 years ago

Evelyn Marin

9.3

Attention all Cab Franc lovers: run to grab this Italian Cab Franc from Collio if you see it! It's velvety smooth with the varietal green bell pepper and black pepper notes. Its mid-weight frame and medium acidity make it very versatile and super food-friendly too. — 9 years ago

Ben Hearns

9.5

Unbelievable! If you ever see this wine, order it. Tremendous. — 9 years ago

Marshall Todd Herron DPM

9.0

the cork - which I now document- came out beautifully. There is a 2mm rim of perfect proportion around the cork base. The color is dark black purple and opaque. The legs last a full 10 seconds - 13.2% alcohol - this is going to be a big wine! Drink responsibly is my first thought. Its thick! The boquet is fresh plumb and wildflowers. The initial palate is tart on the tip of the tongue and very smooth on ghe finish with a slight tang on the back sides of the tongue. The flavor is blackberry and green (not yet ripe) apple after taste. I love it!!! There is a small amount of dryness left in the palate which leaves you wanting another sip!
This is good wine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So if you like wine with a tart after taste , which I do, this wine is for you! - Thank you for reading! Until next time, I am Todd Herron with Dr. Todd's Wine Notes! See you next time!
— 9 years ago

Charles Antin

Senior Wine Specialist/Auctioneer Zachys

9.3

Not just fernet branca, this is a bottle from the 60s from Italy. Buy these if you see them. Nothing like modern stuff. Long, persistent, dry. — 9 years ago

Jonathan Wall

8.9

Very nice. But happily schizophrenic; pop the cork and it's big, jammy, and inky... Almost new world. Come back to see him the next day or two and the French accent comes thru. But still too closed to let the terroir thru. Obviously I infantcised this one... Cellar if you can. — 10 years ago

David Hauser

9.0

It's the 2000 if you can't see the neck label. Good but not great. More earthly and leathery than fruity. — 10 years ago