Château Cossieu-Coutelin - Saint Estephe

Bordeaux, in the southwest of France, needs little introduction as one of the world's most famous, prestigious and prolific wine regions. The majority of Bordeaux wines (nearly 90 percent of production volume) are the dry, medium- and full-bodied red Bordeaux Blends that established its reputation.

The finest (and most expensive) of these are the wines from the great châteaux of the Haut-Médoc and the Right Bank appellations Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. The former is focused (at the top level) on Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter pair on on Merlot.

The legendary reds are complemented by high-quality white wines based on Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc. These range from dry whites to challenge the best from the Burgundy region (Pessac-Léognan is particularly renowned) to the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes.

The best of Saint-Estephe wines are from the northernmost appellation of the Medoc. They offer a purity and intensity that is seldom found in other Bordeaux wines.

However, the region also produces a myriad of wines that are rustic and austere in style. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are the kings here. Even though some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted in the region, they only play a minor role.

St. Estephe has numerous Cru Bourgeois wines that are easily at the level of many 5th growths, yet they sell for a pittance, when compared to numerous more expensive wines from the Left Bank. There are 35 Cru Bourgeois classified chateau in the Saint Estephe Appellation. That is more than any other major appellation.