A brilliant, classic wine that's drinking beautifully right now, the 2000 Chateau Cos D'Estournel is a 60/40 split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot aged 14-16 months in 80% new French oak. Ripe currants, spicy wood, graphite, smoky tobacco, and cedar pencil notes all emerge on the nose, and on the palate, it's rich and full-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It has a broad, expansive character, gorgeous density and power, and ample underlying structure. This is brilliantly done and a classic Cos to drink over the coming two decades or more.

Blended of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2000 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet in color with a touch of brick and sporting a lot of tertiary evolution on the nose. It leaps from the glass with opulent sandalwood, Chinese five spice, cigar box and leather scents over a core of prunes, baked cherries, dried mulberries and eucalyptus plus a touch of potpourri. Medium-bodied, the palate is laden with fragrant fruitcake and exotic spice layers, framed by wonderfully plush tannins and a refreshing line, finishing with an exhilarating menthol lift.

Absolutely gorgeous on the nose, with currants, blackberries and freshly cut flowers. Full-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a solid core of fruit. This goes on and on on the palate. The essence of class and refinement. Relatively good value, considering the superb quality. No better Cos since 1989