Winery Overview & History
Château Cos d’Estournel, known as “The Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe,” is celebrated for its exotic charm and architectural grandeur. Classified as a Second Growth in 1855, it was founded in the early 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, whose fascination with the Orient inspired the château’s iconic pagodas and elephant-adorned gates. Today, the estate is owned by Michel Reybier, who continues to elevate its wines to First Growth quality.
Vineyard Location & Terroir
The 100-hectare vineyard lies on the southern slopes of Saint-Estèphe, bordering Pauillac. Its deep gravel over clay and limestone provides excellent drainage and heat retention, giving Cabernet Sauvignon its depth and power while preserving freshness and minerality.
Grape Varieties & Wine Style
Cos d’Estournel is planted mainly to Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (38%), with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wines combine opulent fruit, exotic spice, and velvety tannins—structured yet seductive, aging gracefully for decades.
Signature Wines
- Château Cos d’Estournel (Grand Vin) — A majestic, age-worthy Saint-Estèphe of extraordinary depth and sensual spice.
- Les Pagodes de Cos — The second wine, elegant and approachable in youth, showcasing Cos’s signature perfume and finesse.
Winemaking & Cellar Practices
Hand-harvested fruit undergoes gentle vinification in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. Maturation occurs in French oak barrels (about 80% new) for 18–20 months. Precision, gravity flow, and sustainability define the modern cellar designed for minimal intervention.
Visitor & Contact Information
Address: 33180 Saint-Estèphe, France
Website: www.estournel.com
Visiting: By appointment only, with tours and tastings available upon reservation.
*Photo Courtesy of Wikipedia