2018 Château Cos d'Estournel | 98+ Point Second Growth Saint-Estèphe Bordeaux

🏆 98+ Point Saint-Estèphe | One of the Greatest Modern Cos d'Estournels

The Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe

Produced from one of the finest vintages of the century, it is a wine of breathtaking concentration, precision and longevity.

98+ Points – The Wine Advocate | 98 Points – JamesSuckling.com | 98 Points – JebDunnuck.com | 20+/20 – Matthew Jukes

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France

RRP $625 a bottle

The Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe

There are Second Growths...

…and then there are the "Super Seconds."

Among that elite group, Château Cos d'Estournel stands proudly alongside names such as Léoville Las Cases and Pichon Comtesse. For generations, Cos d'Estournel has produced wines that consistently rival Bordeaux's First Growths, combining immense power with extraordinary refinement.

The 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel is one of the estate's greatest modern achievements. Produced from one of the finest vintages of the century, it is a wine of breathtaking concentration, precision and longevity.

Awarded 98+ points by Wine Advocate, 98 points by James Suckling, 98 points by Jeb Dunnuck, and an extraordinary 20+/20 from Matthew Jukes, this is one of the defining wines of the 2018 Bordeaux vintage.

Tasting Notes

Expect an extraordinary Saint-Estèphe with layers of:

• Blackcurrant and crème de cassis
• Blackberry and black cherry
• Blueberry compote
• Crushed violets
• Cedar and cigar box
• Graphite and pencil lead
• Dark chocolate, espresso and exotic spice
• Fine mineral notes with impeccably integrated oak

The palate is monumental yet perfectly balanced. Waves of concentrated black fruit are supported by ultra-fine tannins, vibrant acidity and extraordinary mineral precision. Despite its immense power, the wine remains remarkably graceful, finishing with incredible length and effortless elegance.

This is Cabernet Sauvignon at its most luxurious.

Critical Acclaim

• 98+ Points – The Wine Advocate
• 98 Points – JamesSuckling.com
• 98 Points – JebDunnuck.com
• 20+/20 – Matthew Jukes

One of the highest-rated Bordeaux wines of the exceptional 2018 vintage.

About the Wine

Founded in 1811 by Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, Château Cos d'Estournel has long been one of Bordeaux's most distinctive estates. Its magnificent oriental-inspired château reflects the founder's fascination with India, earning the estate the nickname "The Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe."

Classified as a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé (Second Growth) in the historic 1855 Classification, Cos d'Estournel has become universally recognised as one of Bordeaux's elite Super Seconds.

Situated on the gravel ridges of Saint-Estèphe, immediately adjacent to the vineyards of Château Lafite Rothschild, the estate benefits from one of the Médoc's greatest terroirs. Deep gravel soils produce Cabernet Sauvignon of remarkable concentration and longevity, while Merlot planted on clay contributes richness and silkiness.

The 2018 blend is approximately:

• 74% Cabernet Sauvignon
• 23% Merlot
• 2% Cabernet Franc
• 1% Petit Verdot

The outstanding 2018 growing season delivered perfectly ripe fruit while preserving freshness, resulting in one of the finest Cos d'Estournels ever produced.

Food Pairings

Perfect with:

• Wagyu rib-eye
• Beef Wellington
• Roast lamb
• Venison
• Slow-braised beef cheeks
• Black truffle dishes
• Mature Comté or aged Gouda

Cellaring

Although already magnificent with extended decanting, this is a wine designed for the long term.

Expect the 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel to evolve gracefully over the next 40–50+ years, developing extraordinary layers of cigar box, graphite, cedar, truffle, forest floor and exotic spice while retaining its remarkable freshness and structure.

Why We Love It

There are wines that impress with power.

There are wines that captivate with elegance.

The 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel somehow delivers both in extraordinary measure.

This is one of the finest modern releases from an estate that has consistently challenged Bordeaux's First Growths for decades. The combination of the magnificent 2018 vintage, one of Saint-Estèphe's greatest terroirs and meticulous winemaking has created a wine of astonishing purity, depth and longevity.

Receiving 98+ points from Wine Advocate, together with 98-point scores from James Suckling and Jeb Dunnuck, confirms its place among the elite wines of the vintage. Matthew Jukes' remarkable 20+/20 rating further highlights just how exceptional this wine is.

At $625, the 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel offers collectors the opportunity to own one of Bordeaux's great "Super Seconds"—a wine that comfortably performs at First Growth level and will continue rewarding patience for decades to come. For lovers of world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, this is simply a must-have.

👉 Produced in one of Bordeaux's finest vintages and backed by outstanding critical acclaim, the 2018 Château Cos d'Estournel is an essential addition to any serious fine wine collection.