Arsonists attempt to destroy Cos d’Estournel door

French police are on the hunt for the perpetrators of a suspected arson attack on Château Cos d’Estournel’s famous ‘Zanzibar door’ in the Bordeaux appellation of St-Estèphe.

Vandals have tried to destroy Bordeaux second growth Cos d’Estournel’s famous Zanzibar door (centre)

As reported by Decanter, the attack in the ornate wooden door took place on the night of 25 July and is being investigated as an act of vandalism by local police.

In an email released by the second growth, the estate called the attack “an odious and criminal attempt to destroy a priceless piece of art”.

Luckily for Cos, the door has only been partly damaged and the restoration process has begun immediately. Insurers are assessing the cost of the damage. The police are currently unsure as to how the fire started and the motive behind it.

The intricately carved door was imported from the Sultan of Zanzibar’s palace by Cos’ first owner, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel, in the early 1800s.

At the same time the visionary Louis Gaspard commissioned three pagoda-inspired towers to be built, turning the château into a local landmark.