Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 100 points

One of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted, the monumental 2009 Cos d?Estournel has lived up to its pre-bottling potential. A remarkable effort from winemaking guru Jean-Guillaume Prats and owner Michel Reybier, this blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Merlot (33%) and a touch of Cabernet Franc (2%) was cropped at 33 hectoliters per hectare. It boasts an inky/black/purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of white flowers interwoven with blackberry and blueberry liqueur, incense, charcoal and graphite. The wine hits the palate with extraordinary purity, balance and intensity as well as perfect equilibrium, and a seamless integration of tannin, acidity, wood and alcohol. An iconic wine as well as a remarkable achievement, it is the greatest Cos d?Estournel ever produced. It is approachable enough at present that one could appreciate it with several hours of decanting, but it will not hit its prime for a decade, and should age effortlessly for a half century.

Review date: February 2012

Wine Spectator: 97 points

This is a stunner, with gloriously ripe, succulent cassis, blackberry and fig fruit flavors backed by extra notes of plum cake, blueberry confiture and roasted wood spice. On the back half, the iron spine takes over on the hard-driving and extremely long, anise- and incense-tinged finish. An awesome expression of the modern style. Best from 2020 through 2040. 20,830 cases made. ?JM

Review date: March 2012

JamesSuckling.com: 99-100 points

Such incredible purity, with blueberries, blackberries, mint, and spices in the nose. Full and velvety, with tar and a deep fruit palate. This is so powerful and intense with great balance. Smokey and a fresh finish. This is the new style of Cos with an amazing fruit-forward character and structure. Phenomenal. Barrel sample.

Review date: December 2010