
The 2003 Cos d'Estournel is a Bordeaux Blend from the renowned St Estephe sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Cos d'Estournel, boasts an alcohol percentage of 13.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure. The vintage is characterized by its blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Wine Spectator awarded this wine a score of 93, noting its "pretty juicy edge" with flavors of "dark currant and fig" and a mix of "tobacco, ganache, and humus" that lead to a "long, smoldering finish." The reviewer, JM, did mention a "slightly grainy structure" as a minor flaw. This wine is recommended for consumption now through 2030.
Wine Enthusiast was particularly impressed, giving it a high score of 95. The review highlights the wine's "aromas of new wood, spice and black fruits" and describes it as a "powerful, polished wine" that is "dense, very ripe" and "packed with tannins." The high percentage of Merlot in the blend contributes to its ripeness and density, making it a "massive wine" that successfully combines the heat of 2003 with the big tannins characteristic of Saint-Estèphe.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also scored the wine 93, with Lisa Perrotti-Brown remarking on its "deep garnet-brick color" and "herbal nose" featuring "dried Mediterranean herbs and roasted meats." The wine is described as "full, rich, concentrated and decadent," with a medium-bodied palate that delivers a "wallop of fruit" and "earthy/savory accents."
Neal Martin's Wine Journal provided an excellent review, scoring it 96 and praising its "flamboyant, sumptuous bouquet" with "luscious redcurrant, raspberry, vanilla, and graphite scents." The wine is described as "very focused" with "fine definition and minerality towards the long finish."
James Suckling awarded the wine an impressive 98 points, describing it as "dense and powerful" with "very ripe fruit" and an "underlying freshness and complexity." He notes its "tobacco, dried fruit and fresh spices" and recommends drinking it now or holding it for future enjoyment.
Decanter gave the wine a score of 92, appreciating its "surprisingly fresh" quality given the vintage. The review notes the wine's "soft leather, truffle, spice and fig" flavors and remarks on its excellent aging potential, attributed to the proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and the old Merlot vines.
Finally, Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com gave the wine a stellar 96 points, highlighting its "Roses, cigar box, black cherries, and spice" aromas and describing the palate as "lush, opulent, fresh, and long" with "layers of flamboyant, perfectly ripe, dark, red fruits."
In summary, the 2003 Cos d'Estournel is a highly acclaimed Bordeaux Blend that has impressed reviewers with its complexity, richness, and aging potential. With scores ranging from 92 to 98, it stands as a testament to the quality of the 2003 vintage from St Estephe.