2011 Saint-Estephe 2e Cru Classe from Bordeaux
Cos d'Estournel vineyard stretches over 91 hectares and grows vines averaging 35 years old. The 2011 Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
The fruity and harmonized wine from Saint-Estephe appellation reveals an intense ruby hue and luscious black fruits on the nose. The palate offers spicy flavours -pepper, vanilla, and liquorice. The long and creamy texture coats the palate with a combination of strength and elegance, as well as beautiful silky tannins.
PARKER (91)
The 2011 Cos d’Estournel exhibits a dense ruby/purple color and sweet, toasty, oaky notes intermixed with floral and forest floor characteristics. The complex aromatics suggest this is a top success in 2011. In the mouth, the wine is slightly more compact than one would find in a great vintage, such as 2009 and 2010, but it has impressive richness for the vintage as well as light to moderate tannin and admirable purity. It will benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring, and should keep for 15-20 years. Only 30% of the production was utilized for Cos D’Estournel, a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc.
Drink 2020 to 2030!
One of Saint Estephe’s benchmark producers, Phelan Segur was founded by Bernard Phelan who united two neighbouring properties, Clos de Garramey and Segur, and added his name in keeping with the traditions of the time. In 1860 his son, Frank Phelan, built the stunning country house on the estate which by this time was the largest in the Saint Estephe appellation. In 2017 the property sold for a record €90 million to Belgian investor Philippe Van de Vyvere.
Today the property has 70 hectares of vineyards planted on exceptional terroir, sitting on a ridge of clay and gravel soils above the Gironde estuary. As the saying goes, "the greatest terroirs look to the water", and Phelan Segur’s wines offer both power and character with excellent potential for extended ageing in the cellar over the next decade and beyond.
The estate’s Grand Vin is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon along with a smaller proportion of Merlot and a drop of Cabernet Franc. To allow for precise blending, each parcel of vines is vinified separately with ageing taking place in 50% new French oak barrels for 16-18 months. This helps to soften the firm tannins and add subtle hints of woodsmoke and spice to the luscious cassis, blackberry and dark plum fruit.
Drink now through to 2036. Decant 1 hour before serving