Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2013 Cos d'Estournel opens with notes of sautéed herbs, roast beef, potpourri, eucalyptus and crushed rocks over a core of redcurrant jelly, crushed blackcurrants, kirsch and violets. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers lovely freshness and a good amount of depth, textured by a chewy frame and finishing long and mineral tinged.

The 2013 Cos d'Estournel has a fine bouquet: no vegetal signs here, clean and precise with blackberry, briary and iodine scents. While it does not possess this estate's usual complexity you have to admire the delineation interwoven into this wine. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, well judged acidity, a gentle grip in the mouth and well integrated oak. There is still some edginess on the grainy finish that will be addressed by another 3-4 years in bottle, but this is certainly one of the better 2013s and it should give 15 years of pleasure. - robertparker.com, October 2016

There's attractive upfront fruit here, with light tannins that avoid excessive extraction. The nose is subdued, and the palate also lacks some vigour and flair. Rather chunky and drab on the finish, this is solid enough but hardly the equal of better vintages from here.

(78% cabernet sauvignon, 20% merlot and 2% cabernet franc): Bright red. Strong floral notes complement bright red cherry and sweet spices on the enticing nose. Bright and fresh in the mouth, with clean flavors of red fruits and herbs lingering nicely on the palate. The tannins are smooth and fine. A lighter-style Cos but very much in tune with the year and better balanced than most. This may be another 1971 in the making.

Firm and tight with some spicy berry and cherry character plus hints of raspberries and minerals. Medium to full body. Citrusy. Wait and see. - jamessuckling.com, October 2016

Looks more evolved than the Montrose. Though it glows with health. Very ambitious and as though determined not to be blighted by 2013's disadvantages. There is still quite a bit of tannin as well as fruit so it's probably one of the longer-lasting 2013s. (JR)