Cos d'Estournel
The Estate
The most architecturally flamboyant estate in Bordeaux, Cos d'Estournel is instantly recognisable for its Indian-inspired pagoda towers — built to reflect the oriental obsessions of its founder, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, in the early 19th century. The name 'Cos' (from Gascon for 'hill of pebbles') gives a clue to the terroir: deep gravel over clay on a prominent knoll.
A Second Growth from Saint-Estèphe, Cos produces wines that challenge the regional stereotype: rather than the typical Saint-Estèphe austerity, Cos is known for its Merlot-influenced richness, exotic spice, and silky texture that make it one of the most hedonistic wines in the Médoc.
Since 2004, under the ownership of Michel Reybier, the estate has risen to near-First Growth status in quality. The 2005 and 2009 vintages are frequently cited among the best wines of their respective decades, and a portion of the production is now aged in amphora, adding another dimension of terroir expression.