The 2006 Cos d’Estournel is a structured, elegant wine now entering a beautiful phase of maturity. Aromas of dark fruit, roasted herbs, cigar box, and earth unfold into a medium- to full-bodied palate with firm yet refined tannins. With its mineral core, fresh acidity, and evolving complexity, it's drinking well now but will continue to develop for another decade or more.

The Wine Advocate | RP 94
Published: Nov 30, 2018
Drink: 2018-2035

Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, opening with enticing scents of rosemary-crusted roast lamb, dried cherries, baked blackcurrants and mincemeat pie with touches of fallen leaves, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, lively and elegantly played in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of mineral accents on the long finish. 

Decanter | D 93
Published: Jul 2, 2018
Drink: 2018-2038

There is still an austerity to this wine, and the firm cassis fruit has a power and push of its own — similar to the 2008 vintage in many ways. The tannins are pulling their weight by deepening the structure and filling out the fruit. They were strict, almost cubic, during the first few years and it is only now that they are starting to come around. This vintage was extremely hot in June, and things got more complicated as harvest approached. Today, the nudging ripeness of the fruit emphasises pepper, mint and eucalyptus — creating a fresh core that might have been tough when young but it’s become a benefit over time. This is a very good and enjoyable wine with plenty to say, with hints of tertiary notes emerging.

Closure: Cork
Body: Full

Jamessuckling.com | JS 92
Published: Oct 21, 2016

This is very meaty and spicy now with hints of leafs and wet earth. Full body, chewy tannins and a medium finish. Ready for drinking. But has life ahead of it.

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 17
Published: Nov 2, 2017
Drink: 2015-2030

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc.
Fabulous, open and complex on the nose – ripe fruit with an autumnal decay aroma to it, and earthy notes that give beautiful complexity. Clay-textured tannin, still firm but already drinkable. Long, fragrant finish. Reasonably light bodied leading to a caressing finish. Lovely! 

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: 78%
MERLOT: 20%
CABERNET FRANC: 2%

While the 2006 Cos d'Estournel took some time to open up, the wine reveals itself today as absolutely pleasant and smooth. The tannins remain powerful and elongated, in a magnificent concentration, the freshness and liveliness of the aromas perfectly balancing this vintage. The bright side of the fruit particularly stands out in this wine, both energetic and delicious.