About the Wine

Second growth, Cos d'Estournel has a long and prestigious history dating as far back as 1811. Their wines are described as "rich, sensuous, age-worthy, concentrated, refined, powerful, elegant, and tannic." Undoubtedly one of the best producers in the Medoc, Cos d'Estournel has been heralded by critics and wine connoisseurs from around the globe. Goulee is no different, displaying the same depth and power seen in the first wine of the estate, this wine offers a world-class pedigree at an entry-level price! 

Cos d'Estournel's wines are considered some of the best-produced in Saint-Estephe. Cos d'Estournel's terroir is impeccable; this property is located only 1 mile away from the world-renowned Château Lafite Rothschild.

Born in 1762 during the reign of Louis XV and died in1853 under Napoleon III, at the remarkable age of 91, Louis Gaspard d'Estournel had one sole passion: Cos. Having inherited a few vines near the village of Cos, he recognized, in 1811, the quality of their wine and decided to vinify them separately. Very rapidly, Cos d'Estournel's wine exceeded the prices of the most prestigious wines and was exported as far as India. In 1852, overwhelmed with debts he had accumulated in order to extend and beautify his estate, Louis was obliged to sell Cos to a London banker called Martyns. Château Cos d’Estournel has belonged to Michel Reybier since 2000. Mr. Reybier’s objective has been to uphold the château’s high standards and constant quest for excellence while at the same time continuing the avant-garde style initiated by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel.

In the old Gascon language, the word 'Cos' means 'The Hill of Pebbles'. And as a matter of fact, the hill of Cos, which is situated on the banks of the Gironde, is an impressive accumulation of Quaternary gravel wrested from the distant mountains of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees and laid on Saint-Estèphe's limestone bed when the primeval river receded. Shaped into well-drained slopes by erosion, these exceptionally deep layers of gravel are a true geological curiosity and also one of the world's most precious terroir, for it forces the old vines planted on its heights to thrust their roots into the arid soil.

Aging: 18 months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: 73% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc. The bounty and grace of nature. Goulée by Cos d’Estournel brings to mind a light sea breeze, refreshing eucalyptus, and the tantalizing scents of juicy, ripe berries and rich cacao beans… Evoking an invigorating afternoon spent on the water with friends or a delicious meal in an oceanfront bistro softly lit by the glowing rays of the sun, Goulée by Cos d’Estournel is decidedly untamed, a bold and expressive wine. 

Reviews

Deep, dark and rich fruit, from plums to berries. Full bodied, layered, dense and very rich. ~93 James Suckling 

This is an excellent Goulée with the cooling edge of a beautiful fresh Médoc coupled with generosity. Easily one of the best Goulées that I have tasted. Flint and smoke aromatics on the nose are followed by welcoming red fruits through the body of the wine. 77% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, picked over a long harvest period from 28th September to 15th October. This is the first year the new plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon have been included in the blend. 3.65pH. Drinking Window 2023 - 2035. ~90 Decanter

Bottled in April 2016, the 2016 Goulée by Cos d’Estournel has a vivid, fresh, lively bouquet of black fruit infused with bell pepper. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and plenty of tarry black fruit laced with tobacco. I appreciate the freshness and classicism of this Goulée, which is more cohesive and shows a little more substance than previous vintages. Very fine. ~90 Vinous Media

Takes a modern approach at first, with a glistening coat of sweet, vanilla-accented toast around a core of plush plum and blackberry puree flavors. A swath of tobacco and flashes of iron and cherry pit on the finish keep this grounded. ~90 Wine Spectator

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