Dutch Wine Apprentice

Château Cos d’Estournel – The Exotic Soul of Saint-Estèphe 🇫🇷

Earlier this year our partner P**T Agenturen (P**T Agenturen) invited us for an exclusive masterclass, dedicated to one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates: Château Cos d’Estournel (Cos d'Estournel).

What followed was an afternoon exploring the history, terroir and unmistakable character of one of the Médoc’s legendary “Super Seconds.”

🏰 A Château Unlike Any Other

Founded in 1791 by Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, Cos quickly earned an international reputation. His fascination with India still echoes through the château’s striking architecture and even the exotic spice profile that has become a hallmark of the wines.

🌿 The Strength of Saint-Estèphe

Perched on the famous hill of Cos, the estate’s gravel and clay soils consistently produce wines combining power, freshness and exceptional ageing potential. Even in challenging vintages, the terroir continues to shine.

🍷 A Journey Through Time

The tasting spanned nearly five decades, demonstrating both remarkable consistency and longevity. Our highlights:

1️⃣ Pagodes de Cos Blanc 2021 – 93/100
Fresh citrus, green fruit and beautiful precision.

2️⃣ Château Cos d’Estournel 2021 – 95/100
Cassis, blueberry, exotic spices and mineral elegance.

3️⃣ Château Cos d’Estournel 2019 – 97/100 ⭐️
Immense concentration, incredible balance and our wine of the evening.

4️⃣ Château Cos d’Estournel 1975 – 94/100
A beautifully mature Bordeaux proving just how gracefully great wines can age.

✨ Across every vintage, one signature remained unmistakable: freshness, structure and captivating notes of incense and exotic spices that make Cos d’Estournel truly unique.

🔗 Read the full story by our own Martin Bronkhorst (Martin Bronkhorst) on our website (link in bio). With a thank you to Cos’s Baptiste Belly.

🇳🇱 Château Cos d’Estournel is imported into the Netherlands by P**T Agenturen.

Have you ever tasted Cos d’Estournel—or which vintage would you love to experience? ⬇️

Château Palmer Experience 🏆

On a sunny July evening we ventured to a beautiful part of the Netherlands, de Vinkeveense Plassen, to surprise the winner of the Palmer 2005 experience: Joep (Joep Smit)🍷

For our Dutch followers en readers Dutch Wine Apprentice and Cellar Worthy Wines (Cellarworthy | Fine Wine Concierge) teamed up and gave away a bottle of the iconic 2005 Château Palmer (Château Palmer).

The weather was lovely, and our hosts were over the moon as we handed the bottle and enjoyed a glass of wine beside it on the rooftop of their living boat.

Overlooking the water we discussed all things wine, and enjoyed good conversations, knowing this amazing wine ended in good hands ♥️

Thanks again to everyone who participated in the contest, and maybe we’ll organize one again (who knows) so stay tuned and follow us!

For now, tell us of which Bordeaux château would you like to win a bottle? 🍷

Dorli Muhr and Spitzerberg: The Pursuit of Blaufränkisch Perfection 🇦🇹

Few producers have done more to elevate Blaufränkisch on the international stage than Dorli Muhr (Weingut Dorli Muhr).

What began with a tiny 0.17-hectare vineyard gifted by her grandmother has evolved into one of Austria’s most respected estates, producing wines that combine precision, elegance, and a profound sense of place.

In exploring the wines of Dorli Muhr, one theme emerged repeatedly: great Blaufränkisch is not about power, but about transparency, finesse, and terroir expression.

🏔️ Spitzerberg & Carnuntum

Located in Austria’s easternmost wine region, near the Slovak border, the Spitzerberg is defined by limestone-rich soils, constant winds, and remarkably dry conditions. These challenging conditions encourage slow ripening and produce wines of freshness, tension, and remarkable elegance.

🌱 Finesse Through Farming

Since 2018, Dorli Muhr’s vineyards have been certified organic. Every decision in the vineyard and cellar is made to preserve the natural character of the site, from hand harvesting and spontaneous fermentation to ageing in large neutral oak casks.

The result? Wines that consistently favour precision over concentration and site expression over winemaking influence.

🍷 Highlights from Our Tasting

🏅 Ried Spitzerberg Obere Roterd 2022 – 97/100 DWA score

🏅 Ried Spitzerberg Liebkind 2022 – 96/100 DWA score

🏅 Ried Spitzerberg Obere Spitzer 2022 – 96/100 DWA score

Dorli Muhr’s wines stand among the most compelling expressions of Blaufränkisch in Austria today. Through a relentless focus on terroir, detail, and restraint, she has helped establish the Spitzerberg as one of the country’s great vineyard sites.

🔗 Full article by our own Marc Roovers (Marc Roovers), now on our website (link in bio).

🙏🏻 With thanks to Dorli Muhr and Astrid Rauch of Wine+Partners (WINE+PARTNERS).

🛒 Available in the Netherlands through Karakter Wijnimport () and in Belgium through Matthys Wines (Matthys Wines).

Have you discovered Blaufränkisch from Carnuntum yet? ⬇️