We found some stars in St Estèphe in 2021; Cos d’Estournel was among them. Proximity to the river and strict leaf-thinning helped ward off frosts, coulure and mildew, achieving perfect ripeness and a reduction in yield of just 10%.

The nose sings of pure blackcurrant, with highlights of blueberries, violets and warming, exotic spices. Myrtles, damsons and more blackcurrants emerge on the palate alongside a note of graphite minerality.

This is a very elegant wine, showing delicacy, purity and refined concentration. It finishes with linear but velvety-smooth tannins and some vibrant acidity.