Collection: Château Cos d'Estournel

A Château with an Oriental Atmosphere

Château Cos d’Estournel was founded by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, who had a deep fascination with India. His château stands apart from other Bordeaux estates, exuding a distinct Oriental charm. It is said that he personally traveled to India to sell his wine. In 2008, the château underwent a major renovation.

In the mid-19th century, financial difficulties led to frequent changes in ownership. In the early 20th century, the Bordeaux wine merchant Ginestet acquired the property. After being passed down through several generations of the Ginestet family, it was managed by Bruno Prats and later his son, Jean-Guillaume Prats, from 1970 to 1998. They made substantial investments that enhanced both the quality and reputation of the wines.

However, family-run businesses in France often face inheritance challenges, and in 1998, the estate was sold to wealthy investor Michel Reybier. While the initial agreement allowed Jean-Guillaume Prats to continue managing the estate, he left in 2000 to become CEO of Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines, leaving Michel Reybier to take over. Michel Reybier also operates several hotels and healthcare ventures.

In addition to Cos d’Estournel, he owns Hétszőlő in Tokaj, Hungary, and has been producing champagne under his own name since 2013. His son, Raphaël Reybier, joined the château’s team after training in Tokaj.

Managed in 20 Parcels

Château Cos d’Estournel is located at the entrance of the Saint-Estèphe village in northern Médoc. The name "Cos" comes from the Gascon word for "hill of pebbles."

The vineyards, facing east and south-southwest, feature deep clay-gravel soils interspersed with slanted clay layers. Merlot is primarily planted in clay-limestone soils facing east, while Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on well-drained slopes. This perfect combination of soil and orientation contributes to the production of exceptional wines. Cos d’Estournel’s vineyards encompass 20 different soil types, which impart remarkable complexity to the wines. Each plot is meticulously managed, taking into account the soil characteristics, grape varieties, vine age, and sunlight exposure.

The average vine age is 45 years, with some vines ranging from 80 to 100 years old. While older vines require more care due to their lower yields, they are crucial for preserving the estate’s signature style and quality. The château also employs the massal selection method, grafting cuttings from the estate’s best vines to ensure the continuity of quality—a time-consuming but vital process for maintaining the wine's legacy.

A Diverse Range Beyond the Second Wine

The estate’s flagship wine is "Château Cos d’Estournel." Its second wine, formerly called "Les Pagodes de Cos" until the 2015 vintage, is now simply named "Pagodes de Cos."

The château also produces a wine from vineyards located 25 km north, in another part of Médoc, under the label "Goulée." The first vintage, 2003, comes from a cooler climate, located just 10 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, since 2005, a white wine made from Goulée vineyards has been marketed as "Château Cos d’Estournel Blanc."