The grand vin from Dominique Arangoïts and team is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot;the Merlot is generally 25% to 35% of the blend so this is at the higher end of normal, and reflects the quality of this variety in this vintage. The élevage was in 55% new oak. The glossy concentration in the glass is evident, and the nose is rich, dark and perfumed, with sweetly scented fruits, blackcurrant and blackberries, wrapped up in charcoal and toast, perfumed with lavender, rose hips, cherry stone and cigar box. The palate is elegantly composed, with a very fine and silky texture, and a polished grip. A hugely impressive style, with delineated structure and fruit on the palate, while the ripe tannins give plenty of grip to the middle and end, but the sinewy, taut and defined concentration of the palate marries with them very well. Long and structured in the finish, this has excellent style and huge potential for the cellar. This exceeds even my already high expectations from the barrel tastings.

Vivid red-purple rim to the glass; blue fruits, plums and black cherries presented with pleasant floral aspects alongside a wonderful freshly brewed coffee aroma, soft and delicate but just noticeable. This is absolutely delicious, round and plump on the palate but not heavy, well defined with a fruit precision marrying blackcurrants and cherries with some cocoa and liquorice nuance. The velvety texture and overall clarity stands out, driven and precise with layers of pretty chewy, perfumed fruit underpinned by generous acidity. Sophisticated and enjoyable. Wonderful styling at Cos in 2019. (GH)

The 2019 Cos d'Estournel is a deep, powerful wine. That has been true on both times I have tasted it recently. Readers will have to be patient. Those who can afford it will be rewarded with a towering, statuesque Saint-Estèphe. With a bit of air the fruit starts to emerge, but this is a very reticent Cos that does not show the opulence that it often does in its youth. Gravel, smoke, incense, tobacco and dried flowers gradually unfurl over time, hinting at a very bright future. The 2019 is impressive. That's all there is to it. (AG)