The prodigious, fantastic 2003 Cos d’Estournel is a candidate for ‘wine of the vintage’. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon (unusually high for this chateau), 30% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, 17,500 cases were produced from low yields. An inky/blue/purple colour is accompanied by a compelling perfume of black fruits, subtle smoke, pain grillé, incense, and flowers. With extraordinary richness, full body, and remarkable freshness, elegance, and persistence, this is one of the finest wines ever made by this estate. The good news is that it will be drinkable at a young age yet evolve for three decades or more. 98 points,  Wine Advocate (4/2006).

...the 2003 Cos dEstournel remains one of the superstars of the vintage. It offers an opaque ruby/purple hue as well as notes of incense, camphor, licorice, crème de cassis and graphite. Full-bodied, opulent, incredibly fresh and well-delineated, it can be consumed now and over the next decade. 97 points, Wine Advocate (8/2014).