1961 Cos d'Estournel

The 1961 Cos d’Estournel has quite a wide tawny rim to the extent that it implies a wine past its best. However, the bouquet is absolutely heavenly: exquisitely defined, gentle and unfolding with each swirl. There is something almost Burgundian about the aromatics: the purity, the detail and its seductive nature. It is very confit-like with hints of fig and a touch of fennel. There is a complexity here that is utterly beguiling. The palate is very well balanced with fine tannin, perfect acidity, refined and elegant. It is “old school” Saint-Estèphe for sure but what else could it be? Maybe, I could criticize the persistence on the finish: the “tail” is shorter than the finest wines of the vintage, yet it is just a refined, sophisticated 1961 that has clearly aged in consummate style. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical at the property.