Cos d'Estournel St.-Estèphe 2000

97 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink: 2018-2035. (11/30/18)"

97 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "A Casanova of a wine! Fabulously dense on the palate, with an unctuous mouthfeel and mellow tannins. The truffle and spice notes just go on and on. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"

96 points Wine Spectator 'Top 100 Wine of 2003 (#2)': "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. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"

96 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "Composed of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, the 2000 Cos d'Estournel has a medium brick color and a fragrant perfume of powdered cinnamon, incense, rose oil, and unsmoked cigars, leading to a core of dried cherries and mulberries with a touch of cardamom. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly crafted and silky with a refreshing line and perfumed finish. Very pretty and it’s drinking beautifully now! Alcohol 13%. Drink: 2024-2040. (3/14/24)"

95 points James Suckling: "Hits you instantly with loads of spice--curry, cinnamon and cardamom. It’s full-bodied, rich and refreshing, and persistent on the palate with spice and cherry. A real beauty. (4/28/14)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "For a Saint-Estèphe this is surprisingly supple at this stage. The density is all in the exotic fruit, while the tannins are more of a background. That suggests this is a wine that will develop relatively fast, but it is going to give great pleasure along the way. (Jun 2003)"

94 points Wine & Spirits (Dec 2003).

Panos Kakaviatos (The World of Fine Wine): "(60% CS, 40% M; 65% new oak). The wine displayed vivid dark-fruit aromatics, incense, and herbal notes, lead pencil, with touches of new saddle leather. Much energy and body on the palate; the larger format lent more freshness, which people loved. Although not quite as nuanced and elegant as the 2001, which I enjoyed at the château in September 2015, this was perfect with the wild boar ragù and gnocchi. (Issue 52; 2016)"