1996 Cos d'Estournel, St Estèphe

Subtle spicy oak and red fruitnose, with round opulent flavours; although slightly closed on the finish, this will surely be a very good wine indeed. The complexity which was so evident from the start is now starting to unravel itself as the wine matures, promising great rewards for the patient.

Healthy ruby. Some development on the nose with some exotic herbal notes. Sweet start and very dense. Very fine tannins. A bit more angular than some. Still admirably youthful.
(Jancis Robinson - Bordeaux '96s Today - jancisrobinson.com - 21-Sept-2011)

Another great success in 1996. Fine, powerful, sleek nose. Definite minerals – not unlike Lafite. Dry finish but lots of obvious quality and zest before the strong hit of tannins – which are just at the limit of acceptability for the weight of fruit - on the finish.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - 07-Apr-2006)

Made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this is a huge, backward wine. The 1996 possesses an opaque purple color, as well as pure aromatics consisting of cassis, grilled herbs, coffee, and toasty new oak. Massive in the mouth, and one of the most structured and concentrated young Cos d'Estournels I have ever tasted, this thick, structured, tannic wine has closed down significantly since bottling. It requires 7-8 years of cellaring, and should last for 30-35 years. It is a fabulous Cos, but patience is required. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2030.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - April 1999)