Chateau Cos d´Estournel 2007

WEINWISSER: "Extrem dunkle Farbe, Violett-Purpur. Aromatisches, tiefgründiges Bouquet, Trüffelnoten, Gewürznelken, Arabica-Kaffee, getrocknete Heidelbeeren, aber auch geniale Komponenten von würzigem Cabernet und dunklen, exotischen Hölzern zeigend. Im Gaumen satt, konzentriertes Extrakt, recht feine Tannine, wunderschön balanciert, vorwiegend im schwarzbeerigen Bereich bleibend, extrem langes Finale. Kaum spürbar, dass es sich um ein schwieriges Jahr handeln könnte: ein wirklich grosser Grand Cru, eine Meisterleistung im Rebberg, ebenfalls bei der Selektion."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Medium bodied, bright, fresh, earthy red berries, with notes of spice, earth, tobacco, espresso, fennel and fresh herbs. The texture is soft, there is an easy elegance to the wine. Fully mature, this is as good as it is going to get. So, if you want to enjoy the remainder of the of the soft fruits, pop a cork before the wine begins its slow fade into old age. The wine was made from blending 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc, reaching 13.4% alcohol. Not decanted and just popped and poured was the way to go with this wine."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Showing very well, with creamy-edged plum and cassis flavors flecked with tobacco and warm paving stone notes, remaining quite fresh and supple through the finish. Not as dense at the top years, but shows lovely purity and balance.—Non-blind Cos-d'Estournel vertical (December 2015). Drink now through 2027. 22,000 cases made. "

FALSTAFF: "Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, fast schwarzer Kern, violetter Rand. In der Nase balsamische Nougat-Lakritze-Noten, zart nach dunklen Beeren und exotischen Gewürzen. Am Gaumen sehr präsente Tannine, Bitterschokolade, noch fordernd, dunkle Beerenfrucht mit Wacholder und Schlehen, mineralischer Nachhall, trotz seiner komplexen Form ein recht eleganter Wein mit guter Länge."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2007 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It has a deep garnet-brick color and the nose reveals quite a lot of evolution—more than the previous six vintages tasted before it in this tasting—with notes of prunes, figs, chargrill and dried herbs plus hints of raisin cake, leather, balsamic and incense. Medium-bodied, refreshing and mature in the mouth, it delivers a good concentration of savory/spicy flavors and an herbal lift on the finish. It should remain at this evolutionary plateau for the next decade, before it begins to decline."

JAMES SUCKLING: "A silky and fine 2007 with mushroom, berry and light coffee character. Just a hint of dark fruits. Medium to full body. Round tannins. Drink now. I underestimated this."