Château Cos d'Estournel

Historic Building and Vinyard in Bordeaux

CC BY-SA 4.0 / PA

Château Cos d’Estournel is a renowned wine estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in 1811 by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, the château quickly gained recognition for its exceptional wines and unique architectural style, inspired by the owner’s fascination with the Orient. The estate was classified as a Deuxième Cru (Second Growth) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, solidifying its reputation among the finest wines of the Médoc. Over the years, Château Cos d’Estournel has changed ownership multiple times, but it has consistently maintained its commitment to producing high-quality wines.

The vineyard spans 70 hectares, with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%), along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The estate is known for its meticulous winemaking process, including gravity-flow cellars that minimize handling and preserve the purity of the fruit. Château Cos d’Estournel produces three wines: the Grand Vin, the second wine Les Pagodes de Cos, and Château Marbuzet, which comes from nearby plots. The wines are celebrated for their richness, complexity, and aging potential, often displaying deep fruit flavors, spice, and refined tannins.

Beyond its winemaking excellence, Château Cos d’Estournel stands out for its exotic architecture, featuring pagoda-style structures that reflect its historical ties to India. The estate was one of the first Bordeaux châteaux to bottle and sell its own wines directly, rather than relying on traditional négociants. Today, under the ownership of Michel Reybier, the château continues to innovate while preserving its heritage. Whether enjoyed young or aged for decades, Château Cos d’Estournel remains a benchmark for Saint-Estèphe wines, offering a unique blend of tradition and modernity.

The Château Cos d'Estournel appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Bordeaux!

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