Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Cos D'Estournel
Label Name:
 
St Estephe 2eme Cru
Vintage:
 
1998
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Merlot (40%).
Method:
 
Hand-harvested; destemmed and fermented in temperature-controlled vats; malolactic in barrel; aged 12–18 months in ~60–65% new French oak (estimate based on estate practice); bottled April 2000.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Medium-bodied with blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, cedar and tobacco; earthy minerality, dusty tannins, subtle green pepper and spice; balanced, restrained finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Western: roast lamb, ribeye or prime beef, venison, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (roast pork), Korean BBQ beef, Sichuan braised beef, Malaysian beef rendang.
Vineyard Info:
 
Deuxième Cru Classé in the 1855 classification; estate ~91 ha on gravelly soils; founded 1811, notable pagoda château; modernized under Reybier. ABV for 1998 listed at 13%.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 88; Wine Spectator ~87; James Suckling 90; Neal Martin tasting notes — mixed reviews noting smoky/dusty notes and medium body