The 2008 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, comprises 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, and has an alcohol content of 13.5%.

Andrew Frieden from JJ Buckley gives this wine a score of 94, describing it as having a "purple core with fuchsia rim" and notes of "creme de cassis and kirsch liquor" on the nose, complemented by a "fragrant rose petal perfume" and a "tertiary nose of loamy gravelly soil." He notes the "sweet entry of spicy black cherry and cassis with blackberry in plus concentration" and praises its "opulent ripe tannins," calling it an "excellent" wine and a "top wine for Saint Estephe."

Neal Martin from Vinous also rates the wine 94, highlighting its "backward, reticent bouquets" with "lovely brambly red fruit mixed with pencil box." He describes the palate as "medium-bodied with firm tannin," featuring "black fruit laced with allspice, black pepper and sage," and a "dense and concentrated finish." He emphasizes that the 2008 vintage is "cut from a completely different cloth" compared to the 2009.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awards the wine a score of 95, noting its "medium to deep garnet color" and an explosive nose with "notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis." The palate is described as "elegant and earthy/savory in character," with "beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness" and a "lingering mineral note."

Wine Enthusiast also scores it 95, praising its "great richness and a big, concentrated structure." The reviewer describes the wine as "dark, solid, based on spice, new wood and ripe black plums touched with red berries," with tannins "sheltering beneath."

James Suckling gives it a 93, stating that it has "not changed since I tasted it years ago," highlighting its "tight and fruity" characteristics with "cherries, blackberries and spices." He describes it as having a "full body, firm tannins and a chewy finish," recommending decanting three hours in advance.

Jeb Dunnuck, rating it 95, mentions that this is the "first vintage made at the new winery," appreciating its "terrific complexity" and "silky, polished style." He notes "crème de cassis and black cherry fruit intermixed with notes of toasted bread, spice, and cedar," calling it a "beauty" that can be enjoyed today or cellared for another 15-20 years.

In summary, the 2008 Cos d'Estournel is a highly praised wine, with reviewers consistently highlighting its complex bouquet, structured palate, and potential for aging. It stands out for its rich, concentrated flavors and firm, opulent tannins, making it a noteworthy choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.