Chateau Cos d´Estournel 2000

18 RENÈ GABRIEL´S BX TOTAL: "Leicht mattes Purpur mit lila Reflexen. Warmes Bouquet, viel dunkle Röstnoten, duftet nach Schwarzbrotkruste, reife Pflaumen, ein Hauch frisch gerösteter Kaffee, duftet fein und elegant. Kein komplizierter Nasenansatz, also «easy to handle». Im Gaumen stoffig, dicht, weiche Tannine, noch leicht mehliges Extrakt. Sonst aber irgendwie Friede, Freude Eierkuchen. Macht jetzt schon viel Spass. Kein ganz grosser Cos, weil etwas zu wenig konzentriert und somit auch nicht genügend komplex." 96 THE WINEADVOCATE: "Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. This is a fantastic Cos d’Estournel that I was unsure about out of barrel, but is now blossoming with age. It is adorned with a lovely nose: blackberry, wild hedgerow, espresso, a touch of chocolate and sandalwood. Very fine definition and vigour. The palate is full-bodied with ripe tannins, superb symmetrical structure, dense, obdurate black fruits, a saline note, very well balanced, very focused, broadening out nicely towards the ravishing, supple finish. Excellent. Drink 2015-2040. Tasted March 2010." Drink: 2015 - 2040 - Neal Martin. 94 THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "This elegant, sophisticated charmer keeps getting better and better. The tannins have softened, the wine has filled out, the nose continues increasing in secondary complexities and the palate presence, with its lush, silky, polished, fresh berries, dark chocolate, ripe, juicy, sweet blackberries, cassis and exotic spice component really offers great drinking today. This has turned out to be a really fine wine. In time, it could prove to be even better!" 93 JAMES SUCKLING: "Shows age now with aromas of tobacco, plums and smoked meat. Licorice too. Full-bodied, round and soft with plenty of attractive tertiary character. Needs drinking." 92 WINESPECTATOR: "Mature, with alluring tobacco and menthol notes, backed by a note of smoldering charcoal. The currant and blackberry fruit shows a decidedly mulled edge through the finish.—Non-blind Cos-d´Estournel vertical (December 2015). Drink now through 2020. 20,833 cases made." 90-93 ANTONIO GALLONI: "Saturated medium ruby. Smoky aromas of black fruits, licorice, minerals, lead pencil, pepper and menthol. Voluminous and silky, with considerable flesh over a firm backbone. This has terrific sweetness and lift. Finishes very long, with aristocratic tannins that spread out to coat the entire palate. The index of polyphenols was the highest since 1989, said Prats, adding that although the merlot was plenty ripe, cabernet at equal ripeness is more elegant and classy."