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Château Cos d'Estournel (commonly referred to as Cos) is a winery in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. It is also the name of the red wine produced by this property. The château was classified as one of the fifteen Deuxièmes Crus (Second Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 (today there are only 14 Second Growths, with Château Mouton-Rothschild being reclassified as a First Growth). Since 1855, it has generally been regarded as one of the best and consistent Second Growths, often called Super Seconds. The hill of Cos, which is situated on the banks of the Gironde, is an impressive accumulation of Quaternary gravel wrested from the distant mountains of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees and laid on Saint-Estèphe's limestone bed when the primeval river receded. Shaped into well drained slopes by the erosion, these exceptionally deep layers of gravel are a true geological curiosity and also one of the world's most precious Terroir, for it forces the old vines planted on its heights to thrust their roots into the arid soil. These are these extended roots that slow down the flow of sap, concentrating then the juice and giving the wine of Cos such an individual taste. The vinification process at Cos adapts to the characteristics of the harvest, thus favoring the expression of the Terroir. A meticulous selection of the grapes, a careful pumping-over of the must and a precise control of fermentation temperatures are parameters which help to select the mellowest tannins and to preserve the fruit. Ageing the wine in new oak barrels discreetly brings out the aromas and savors through a perfect balance of woodiness. Appellation: Saint-Estèphe Areas under Vine: 70 hectares Average Annual Production: 17,000 to 30,000 cases, depending on the vintage Soil: The Cabernet vines are planted at the summit of the incline where they can gain maximum benefit of the gravel, while the Merlot is planted in the zones of the calcareous outcrop. Grape Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (10%) Ageing: In barrels for 18 months Top Vintages: 1945, 1959, 1961, 1966, 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2004