The 2008 Cos d’Estournel is a classically styled, finely structured wine that is just entering its prime. Dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, it opens with deep, savory aromas—smoked meat, tobacco, cassis, and dried herbs—layered with spice and mineral nuances. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant, and elegantly composed, with ripe, grainy tannins and a persistent, earthy finish. Still youthful in energy, this vintage is drinking beautifully now and will continue to evolve gracefully.

The Wine Advocate | RP 95
Published: Nov 30, 2018
Drink: 2018-2035

The medium to deep garnet colored 2008 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Pow! The nose explodes with notes of baked cherries, preserved plums, fried herbs, beef drippings and warm cassis with wafts of wood smoke, salami and tobacco leaf. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant and earthy/savory in character, sporting beautifully ripe, grainy tannins and bags of freshness, finishing on a lingering mineral note. 

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: June 16, 2016

A very decadent wine on the nose with so much meat, spice and ripe fruit character. Sea shell as well. Full body, tight and structured with silky tannins and a lots of intense fruit. Vibrant wine. Better in 2020 but already fascinating to drink. 

Decanter | D 90
Published: Jul 2, 2018
Drink: 2018-2036

2008 was a fairly late and fresh vintage, with a low yield of 28hl/ha, which helped to ripen the Cabernet Sauvignon. The new cellars meant they could carefully isolate plots and carry out more precise extractions at low temperatures (maximum 16°C) to protect the fruit. This wine was austere and tight when young, full of rigidity that needed time to soften, but it now feels precise and carefully-wrought. This is just beginning to open up, showcasing clear spice notes. It’s a little hesitant, but there's plenty of Cos d’Estournel signature polish.

Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 14.00%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 2% Cabernet Franc 85% Cabernet Sauvignon 13% Merlot

Jancisrobinson.com | JR 18
Published: Sep 10, 2019
Drink: 2015-2029

85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc.
Very deep crimson. Very luscious and round. Strong blackcurrant element. Surprisingly gentle tannins, perhaps Jean-Guillaume’s swansong? Very well made but perhaps not necessarily a typical St-Estèphe. 

Estournel.com

FASCINATING, OPULENT, VOLUPTUOUS
An invitation to travel.

Like a solitary adventurer who has sailed the seas, Cos d'Estournel initially appears secretive and intriguing. Then he slowly reveals himself. Step by step, with small touches, he evokes stories of distant cities, markets with a thousand secrets, joyful celebrations in warm stone villages, and women with voluptuous curves. The smells, colors, and flavors are gradually revealed, like happy memories. An elegant, fascinating charm, somewhere between restraint and unashamed sensuality.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON: 85% 
MERLOT: 13%
CABERNET FRANC: 2%

The low yield of the vine promotes the ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon, of a stunning precision. They come naturally to equilibrate with the roundness of the Merlot, to deliver a wine of classic style with elegant finesse. Still slightly on the reserve, Cos d?Estournel 2008 with beautiful freshness rounds gradually, the powerful notes permitting the appearance of a bright fruit.