The 1989 Cos d’Estournel is a Bordeaux blend produced in the St Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, crafted by Cos d’Estournel, has garnered significant attention from wine critics and is noted for its complex character and aging potential.

Wine Spectator’s review from January 2010 describes the wine as having “complex aromas of tobacco, earth and forest leaves” that transition into a “medium body, with fine tannins and a fruity and soft finish.” The reviewer, James Suckling, emphasizes that the wine is “very soft and long” and considers it to be “at its peak,” advising consumers to “drink now” (Wine Spectator).

James Suckling, in his separate review from April 2012, awarded the wine a score of 94, highlighting its “wonderful depth of fruit with very firm and dense tannins.” He praises the wine’s “character of olives, spices, and berries,” and notes that its “freshness and intensity” makes it particularly remarkable compared to the 1990 vintage (jamessuckling.com).

Jane Anson’s review from September 2021 provides additional context and detail, giving the wine a score of 93. She describes it as having “fragrant floral notes” and being the “most muscular of the two 1989s, with plenty of power.” She elaborates on its “fruitcake, olive tapenade, fennel and black pepper spices, and a smoky caramel edge to the finish.” Anson points out that the wine showcases the slow aging of Cabernet Sauvignon on the gravel-clay soils of St Estephe, emphasizing the “youthful feel” of the wine despite its age. She also notes that the wine was produced with an “extremely abundant” yield and “100% new oak,” reflecting the hot conditions of the 1989 vintage. Anson suggests that the wine has “plenty of life ahead” and may gain additional complexity with further aging (janeanson.com).

In summary, the 1989 Cos d’Estournel is a complex and multifaceted wine, celebrated for its depth of fruit, firm tannins, and rich array of flavors. It stands out among its peers and remains a noteworthy choice for enthusiasts of aged Bordeaux wines.