Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2005 (75cl, 13.9%)

Chateau Cos d'Estournel 2005 is a classified Second Growth Bordeaux from Saint-Estèphe, bottled at 13.95% ABV in a 750ml format. The estate sits on gravelly soil over flint, limestone and silicate subsoil. The 2005 blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. A cooling tunnel lowers harvested berries to 3-5 degrees Celsius on arrival, preserving freshness and aromatics before fermentation. The nose opens with blackcurrant and crème de cassis, then unsmoked tobacco, cedar pencil, toasted bread, dried flowers, mocha and spice. The palate is full-bodied, with ripe black fruits, silky tannins, moderate acidity, chocolate-covered cherry and kirsch. The finish is long and layered, with licorice, mocha and cedar, and dense tannins providing structural grip.