2007 - Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe

The 2007 Cos d’Estournel is what you might call a “serviceable” Claret. There is nothing pretentious or ambitious on the nose with lilting red fruit of dark cherries and wild strawberry. The secondary aromas offering hints of Italian delicatessen and meat juices. The palate is medium-bodied with that hint of liquorish that I have remarked on previous bottles. Impressive substance for the vintage although, it just feels a little “pushed” and overdone in a similar manner to the 2009. Not bad, but lacks the charm and personality of the 2008. Tasted at the Cos d’Estournel vertical in London.

The 2007 Cos d'Estournel is blended of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 3% Cabernet Franc. It has a deep garnet-brick color and the nose reveals quite a lot of evolution—more than the previous six vintages tasted before it in this tasting—with notes of prunes, figs, chargrill and dried herbs plus hints of raisin cake, leather, balsamic and incense. Medium-bodied, refreshing and mature in the mouth, it delivers a good concentration of savory/spicy flavors and an herbal lift on the finish. It should remain at this evolutionary plateau for the next decade, before it begins to decline.

Dark core with wide brick rim. Ripe, sweet and plummy with plenty of sweet spice. Smells unusually ripe in this vintage. Firm and just a bit raisiny on the palate, as if this were not a great bottle. If it is not the bottle, then it is a bit over-worked. Richer and firmer than most but lacks a bit of freshness. (JH)