The potential of St-Estèphe is exemplified by Cos d’Estournel, which is one of the best deuxièmes crus in the Médoc, but the strength of this appellation lies in its range of crus bourgeois. The area under vine is slightly less than that of Margaux, which has the largest area, but St.-Estèphe has far more unclassified châteaux, and even the best wines are wonderfully cheap.
RED If Pauillac is the stallion of the four famous appellations, St.-Estèphe must be the dray horse. These dry, full-bodied wines are big and strong, yet not without dignity. St-Estèphe demands affection and, with the rich fruit of a sunny year, deserves it. These
most enjoyable, sweet-spice and cedary wines can have lots of honest, chunky fruit. Cos d’Estournel is the thoroughbred of the commune.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot
8–25 years (crus classés);
5–12 years (others)
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