Description
Tasted at the château, the 1996 Cos d'Estournel was aged in 65% new oak (unlike the 1995 which was 100%) and is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. It has a straight down the line, intense and focused, graphite and melted tar bouquet. It is almost Pauillac in style, no surprise given its proximity. The palate is medium-bodied with fresh acidity, finer tannin than the 1986 Cos d'Estournel tasted alongside, but sharing those same leitmotifs of black pepper and sea salt. I like the nonchalance of this Cos d'Estournel. At 20 years it is not an ostentatious wine, not determined to go out and impress, but its nuance, stylishness and classicism grow on you. Its virtues seem to register only after you swallow the wine and find yourself tempted back for more. Excellent.
- Alcohol %: 13%
- Decant Time: 2 hours
- Taste: black cherry, blackcurrant, chocolate, cedar, ripe dark fruit, smooth tannins, cassis, undergrowth
- Food Matching: roast lamb, beef bourguignon, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses
- Grape Variety:
Cabernet Sauvignon
: 65%,
Merlot
: 35%,
Tasting note
愛詩圖爾 1996 年份酒展現了聖愛斯臺夫的宏偉風格。這款酒含有 13% 的酒精度，65% 赤霞珠與 35% 梅洛的混釀，呈現出中等至深的紅寶石色澤。它散發出濃郁的黑櫻桃、黑加侖子香氣，並帶有豐富的巧克力和雪松氣息。口感上，成熟的濃郁黑果味與清新的酸度達到了完美的平衡。酒精帶來溫暖的圓潤口感，再加上細膩、順滑、成熟的單寧。尾韻悠長，黑醋栗的味道稍顯淡薄，預示著隨著時間的推移將更加飽滿。建議醒酒兩小時，以充分展現其複雜性。理想的搭配食物包括烤羊肉、紅酒燉牛肉、蘑菇燴飯和陳年乳酪。
The 1996 Chateau Cos d'Estournel is a testament to the grandeur of Saint-Estephe. With an alcohol content of 13%, this wine is a harmonious blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. It presents a medium to deep ruby-red hue, exuding aromas of dark black-cherry, blackcurrant, and an abundance of chocolate and cedar notes. On the palate, the concentrated ripe dark fruit is impeccably balanced by a refreshing acidity. The alcohol lends a warming roundness to the wine, complemented by fine, smooth, and ripe tannins. The finish is long, with a slight watery touch to the cassis that promises to fill out over time. Decanting for two hours is recommended to fully appreciate its complexity. Ideal food pairings include roast lamb, beef bourguignon, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses.
