"The 2020 Cos d'Estournel is composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. The harvest took place September 10–24 with a yield of 39 hectoliters per hectare. The alcohol weighs in at 13.46% with a pH of 3.9 and an IPT (total phenolic index) of 80. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 55% new. Deep purple-black in color, it pops with explosive scents of ripe red and black currants, black cherry preserves and black raspberries, followed by sparks of violets, wild sage, pencil lead and clove oil, with emerging hints of iron ore and damp soil. The medium-bodied palate has amazing elegance and grace contrasted by jaw-dropping energy, featuring a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a whole firework display of mineral nuances. I love the way this Cos d'Estournel shimmies and shines—a unique vintage signature expressed so beautifully at this estate!
“On February 3rd, it was over 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit),” said Dominique Arangoits of Cos d’Estournel. “And also in March. This explained the early bud burst. The precocity is an important point of the vintage. The first part of rain—60 millimeters on May 10th—it was dangerous, for mildew and for the quality of the flowering. We have some vines between 80 and 100 years old; they are very sensitive. Fortunately, the second part of May was dry. Flowering occurred between May 21 and 24. It was like 2005’s flowering conditions—very good! The old vines had a lot of healthy bunches. There were many seeds per berry—this is a good sign. Ripe seeds contribute a different type of tannins, which we like. Afterward, from June 18 to August 12, we had 55 days with almost NO rain! On August 7th, it hit 39 degrees Celsius. We needed water. The vines were starting to suffer.” Like others in the Médoc, Cos d'Estournel finally received a fair amount of water in mid-August, helping to replenish the vines and see them through to harvest. “On 10th September, we began to harvest the Merlot at Cos d’Estournel, said Dominique. “We could have waited, but we wanted to keep the freshness. We had days more than 34 degrees Celsius during harvest—it was hot! We finished the Cabernets on 24th September. We were happy with the ripeness and wanted to finish before the rains that arrived at the end of September. We have a higher pH this year—3.9 as opposed to 3.75. The lower alcohol makes a good balance. So, the wines seem more fresh.”"
Lisa Perrotti Brown 96-98 Punkte
Quelle: www.robertparker.com
Quelle: www.robertparker.com