The 2001 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot-a very high percentage of Merlot in this vintage and a very late harvest, which started on October 1st. Deep garnet in color, the nose is singing with savory notes of smoked meats, tapenade, bay leaves and beef drippings with a core of plum preserves, redcurrant jelly, dried cherries and baked blackcurrants with wafts of peppermint tea and dried roses. Medium-bodied, the palate practically tingles with vibrant dried herbs, red fruit preserves and minty notes, structured with firm, finely grained tannins and fantastic freshness, finishing very long and minerally.

The 2001 Château Cos d'Estournel is fully mature, with a complex, sweet nose of darker currants, leafy tobacco, damp earth, and truffle that shows more floral and spicy nuances with time in the glass. These all carry to a medium-bodied, elegant Saint-Estèphe with fine tannins and terrific balance. This classy, elegant wine is best enjoyed over the coming decade.

Suave, with a cool, minty hint weaving around the core of mulled red currant, blackberry and plum fruit. Lovely spice, black tea and singed juniper notes are perfectly inlaid throughout, showing a tug of charcoal at the very end. -- Blind '01/'03/'05 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2017). Drink now through 2025. 17,705 cases made.