Chateau Cos d´Estournel 2004

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "The 2004 Cos d'Estournel is a blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet in color with a touch of brick, the nose is still very youthful, sporting notions of plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial and Black Forest cake with hints of garrigue, wild sage, charcuterie, black olives and unsmoked cigars. The medium to full-bodied palate is generously fruited with bags of earthy and black fruit preserves layers, framed by chewy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long."

JAMES SUCKLING: "Like so many 2004s, this is so wonderfully drinkable now with spice, chocolate and Asian mushroom character. Hints of curry too. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and a lightly chewy finish. I like the fruit and austerity to this. Drink or hold."

WEINWISSER: "Noch ein Hammer-Wein. Besser gesagt, ein Wein, der aus der Tiefe zu uns spricht. Tiefdunkel und tiefgründig. Trotzdem feurig und wild. Wie der Balrog, der Dämon aus den Tiefen von Khazad-dûm, der mit Gandalf rang (falls jemand sich an den Herrn der Ringe erinnert). René Gabriel hat den Wein mit Ermitage verglichen. Auf den ersten Blick würde mir da der Würze-Aspekt fehlen. Von der rauchigen Mineralik her kann ich den Vergleich aber durchaus nachvollziehen. Jedenfalls ist der 2004er ein ernster, grandioser und vielschichtiger Bordeaux, der mit einer Kombination aus Buchenrauch und Lakritz daherkommt und selbstbewusst und unbeugsam im Glas steht. Grossartiger Abschluss des WeinWisser-Jubiläums."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "One of the better wines of the vintage, here you find a medium-bodied, soft, round, open, currant and herb filled wine with notes of earth, smoke, espresso, black cherry and a round textured finish. There a lot of class and charm that’s already on full display."

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very generous, with lovely mouthfeel. The creamy fruit drapes over warm, pebbly tannins, allowing the dark plum and currant fruit to meld with the bay and roasted alder notes. The finish has a grip of earth and stretches out nicely. 15,000 cases made."

DECANTER: "This wasn't an easy vintage when young because there was quite a bit of rain through the season, leading to a fairly high yield with some dilution in the grapes. It has needed a lot of time to become harmonious and to melt into itself, but this wine displays clever winemaking decisions. It’s clearly ready to drink now, with soft tannins and brambly fruits joined by tight, black truffles that give spice but also freshness and energy that kicks in through the mid-palate, leading to a mouthwatering finish. The wine was kept on its lees in barrel during ageing without racking, to protect it from oxygen as much as possible."