Cos d’Estournel has held a special place in the hearts of wine-lovers in the U.S. for generations. Four Americans share their vision of the “love story” between their homeland and Cos d’Estournel.
Cos d’Estournel has held a special place in the hearts of wine-lovers in the U.S. for generations. Four Americans share their vision of the “love story” between their homeland and Cos d’Estournel.
Polina Spirova, a founder of All Wine Tours, is a trained sommelier and a wine tour guide in Bordeaux, France.
“A visit to Cos d’Estournel is often a special request. As Cabernet Sauvignon is a preferred grape variety of many American wine lovers, visitors are keen to taste one of its best expressions in the famous Cos d’Estournel blend.
I also suggest a visit to Cos d’Estournel for those who are looking for a unique tasting of white wines of the Médoc!”
Head of Wine at Citrin and Mélisse Matthew Luczy, thirty-two years old, is one of the most savvy sommeliers in California.
“Cos d’Estournel stands out for the quality of its wines but also for the originality of its history and what it evokes in one’s imagination. I love the label! It is very French, but it is also very unusual; it expresses that special Cos twist.
Whenever I serve Cos d’Estournel, I always talk about the history and unique character of the estate, because they are part of the tasting experience; they help make it memorable.”
A longtime friend of Cos d’Estournel, Juan Ruiz is a connoisseur of all wines, overseeing a meticulously constructed collection.
“My wish would be to open a bottle of 1945 Cos d’Estournel with my favorite author, Ernest Hemingway.
An outstanding vintage and phenomenal effort coming right after a long and painful war: I’m sure “Papa” would greatly appreciate it and enjoy just as much the ‘45 Cos d’Estournel. It would make him reminisce about his time as a war correspondent, but would also remind him that despite the atrocities of war, Europe would rise again, and the tradition of enjoying outstanding wine from caring, dedicated artisans would continue unabated.
Have to admit though, personally I would not only enjoy spending time with Mr. Hemingway, but would also get to taste the ‘45 Cos d’Estournel, which I have not tasted to date but haven’t lost hope that perhaps some day I will get the chance to!”
Previously a member of the Cos d’Estournel team, Etienne de Nantes is now Director of Sales for the American Market at négociant Barrière Frères.
“The wines of Cos d’Estournel are distributed in most of the fifty states, regardless of size. The U.S. is a highly competitive market, one that requires major resources to stay visible, but more importantly, one in which maintaining close ties with distributors is primordial.
The quality of these relationships is what allows Cos d’Estournel to understand its end consumers and to accompany us négociants. Their frequent presence is necessary to maintaining a sincere, loyal relationship.”
