The 1952 Cos d'Estournel is a vintage that I have not encountered before. This magnum is a little turbid in hue, though not worryingly so. There's a mixture of mulberry, stewed plum, wild mint and sandalwood on the rustic...
The 1952 Cos d'Estournel is a vintage that I have not encountered before. This magnum is a little turbid in hue, though not worryingly so. There's a mixture of mulberry, stewed plum, wild mint and sandalwood on the rustic nose. A chlorine touch indicates its age; it's an aromatics profile typical of 1952 Left Banks. The palate is medium-bodied with quite robust tannins (again, typical of the vintage), yet they frame plenty of punchy red fruit, cedar and hickory. It loses some delineation and freshness on the finish and granted, the larger format assists, but if you like old Saint-Estèphe, then this is a treat. Tasted at 67 Pall Mall for The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide dinner.
-- Neal Martin