A SWANKY SOIREE IN HONOR OF “COS100”

How else would a legendary Bordeaux winery celebrate their 100^th anniversary?  With a splashy invite only soiree atop the Rainbow Room in Rockefeller Center where they auctioned off the coveted limited edition vintage COS100 Balthazar along with several other lots to raise money for the Elephant Family a non-profit organization that aims to save Indian elephants from extinction through field projects, conservation efforts and habitat rehabilitation.   Two of the Balthazars will be sold during live auctions in New York City and Hong Kong with proceeds benefitting Elephant Family, a non-profit organization that aims to save Indian elephants from extinction through field projects, conservation efforts and habitat rehabilitation.  Also on the auction block were two original Elephant sculptures created by notable artists Curtis Kulig and Jason Woodside, as well as an unforgettable Indian experience with the Maharaja of Jaipur.  VIP guests were treated to a gastronomic dinner created by Michelin starred chef Jerome Banctel from La Reserve in Paris where each course was paired with a different varietal and vintage from the cellars of Cos D'Estournel.

COS100 was created in honor of the 100^th anniversary of "Parcelle des Femmes," a revered plot located within the heart of Cos d'Estournel vineyards that was planted by courageous women during World War I. Derived from these one-hundred-year-old Merlot vines, COS100 is a rare and exceptional wine that will be exclusively available through private sales in just 10 Balthazars (12 liter) and 100 Double Magnums (3 liter). COS100 is a not only an exceptional wine, but a unique project that pays homage to the historical significance of its terroir. Harvested in 2015 from Merlot Vines, COS100 is a tribute to the brave women who, despite the fact that their men were at war, faced adversity and forged ahead to plant vines to maintain the future of the Château for the next century. Since the vineyard's founding in 1811, Cos d'Estournel has embodied this forward thinking spirit. Unlike traditional Bordeaux vineyards of this time, Cos d'Estournel distinguished itself by dispatching wine to remote parts of the world, most notably to India. Overtime, Cos d'Estournel became strongly connected to India through its ongoing shipments and its opulent Asian inspired pagodas and ornate archways in the Château, and founder Louis Gaspard d'Estournel became recognized as the 'Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe', forging a new and unique path. With the release of COS100, Cos d'Estournel continues to follow the visionary trajectory set forth by Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, that has been carried on by the ambitious spirit of the current owner, Michel Reybier.

To highlight the high quality of this vintage, COS100 will be exclusively available in large format bottles, giving the wine extraordinary aging potential. Each Balthazar and Double Magnum is individually numbered and bottled by hand at the Château, and to emphasize the timelessness of this release, each wine bottle will bear a delicately engraved inscription rather than a label. The bottles will be presented in bespoke wood and leather boxes, making COS100 a true collector's piece that can be handed down for generations.

"We are honored by Cos d'Estournel's commitment to our work to save Asia's endangered elephants and we are delighted by this meaningful association on the COS100 events," said Ruth Powys, Chief Executive Officer at Elephant Family. It testifies Cos d'Estournel's long-lasting admiration for Indian culture, and especially, the elephant."

"The release of COS100 signifies the incredible journey that began with Louis Gaspard d'Estournel," said Cos d'Estournel owner Michel Reybier. "With COS100, I want to pay tribute to the terroir, and to acknowledge the women who, more than a hundred years ago, courageously worked in the vineyard to ensure the continuity of the estate. A symbol of transmission, COS100 is a unique wine nurtured over several generations, a powerful link between a glorious past and a promising future. It is with great pride that I reveal an exceptional wine, a testimony to our permanent quest for excellence that fosters the legend of Cos d'Estournel."

Following the New York City auction on February 28, 100 Double Magnums are now available for private purchase through www.estournel.com/COS100.