The 2001 Cos d'Estournel is now entering its prime drinking window. While still evolving, it has reached a stage where its complexity and balance are becoming more evident. The tannins have softened, and the wine now offers a smooth, velvety texture with vibrant freshness, making it highly enjoyable.
For those who appreciate wines with a bit more age and depth, the 2001 is ready to be enjoyed now, but it will continue to evolve and improve over the next 5 to 10 years. If you’re looking for a more integrated and refined experience, this vintage will continue to offer great rewards through 2038.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Jul 2, 2018
Drink: 2018-2040

Gorgeous, a clear step up from the 2000 vintage as it approaches its second decade. This is not quite ready to drink, although a few hours in a decanter could open it up sufficiently. It's full of intense, tight and spirited black fruits, replete with this château’s signature richness of structure, which seems to ooze naturally through the tannins. There's a real sense of energy and zest, with liquorice, slate, spice, cassis and black cherry. The second half of August was hotter in 2001 than 2000 in St-Estèphe, and the grapes were left to reach a long, slow maturity. Harvesting did not begin until 1 October when the nights were getting cooler –this will have helped the wine keep its remarkable freshness. Matured in 80% new oak.

Closure: Cork
Alcohol: 13.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Merlot

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Dec 1, 2018
Drink: 2018-2033

The 2001 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot - a very high percentage of Merlot in this vintage and a very late harvest, which started on October 1st. Deep garnet in color, the nose is singing with savory notes of smoked meats, tapenade, bay leaves and beef drippings with a core of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, dried cherries and baked blackcurrants with wafts of peppermint tea and dried roses. Medium-bodied, the palate practically tingles with vibrant dried herbs, red fruit preserves and minty notes, structured with firm, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and minerally. 

Jamessuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Nov 17, 2015

Velvety textured with soft and silky tannins and a chocolate, meat and berry character. Full and round. Slightly forgotten and delicious. Drink now. 

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17.5
Published: Mar 14, 2025
Drink: 2023-2038

Served blind alongside Léoville Las Cases 2001 and notably more purple, drier and a bit more severe. Bright, still-youthful crimson but a bit more mellow on the palate and over time in the glass this became decidedly more charming. Only slightly austere and with a black-olive character. Still very much evolving, from the Jean-Guillaume Prats era, made the year after the estate was bought by the current owner, Michel Reybier.

Estournel.com

FASCINATING, OPULENT, VOLUPTUOUS
An invitation to travel.

Like a solitary adventurer who has sailed the seas, Cos d'Estournel initially appears secretive and intriguing. Then he slowly reveals himself. Step by step, with small touches, he evokes stories of distant cities, markets with a thousand secrets, joyful celebrations in warm stone villages, and women with voluptuous curves. The smells, colors, and flavors are gradually revealed, like happy memories. An elegant, fascinating charm, somewhere between restraint and unashamed sensuality.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: 55%
MERLOT: 45%

While the 2001 Cos d'Estournel was originally a very powerful and woody wine, the aromas have gradually become more rounded and have been able to channel their liveliness. Today, it is a particularly pleasant vintage, both silky and velvety, with a very long finish.