Château Cos d'Estournel, Pagodes de Cos, Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, 2014

Overview of the Wine
Intimately persuaded of the potential of his vines, Louis Gaspard d’Estournel sought constantly to expand, and would gradually acquire the prime plots on the hill of Cos.

Today the vineyard occupies 100 hectares. Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for two-thirds of this precious mosaic of numerous plots, with a lesser proportion of the land dedicated to Merlot and a small proportion to Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Nestled among the vine plants of the estate—45 years old on average—are certain very precious specimens, guardians of the vineyard’s heritage. Some of the oldest vine plants date back to the early 20th century. They continue to thrive, finding nourishment in the deepest layers of the land.

Under the direction of Michel Reybier, innovation and tradition find balance at Cos d’Estournel and the anti-conformist spirit of its founder lives on to this day. But being different is not an end in itself: the goal has always been to draw on the exceptional qualities of the vineyard to produce wines of unsurpassed quality.

It has proven a recurring theme, centuries ago under the ownership of Louis Gaspard d’Estournel and now under the direction of Michel Reybier. The two men are united not only in their common business interests and their pursuit of excellence at Cos d’Estournel: they also share the same love of beauty and understated luxury to which the singular charms of the estate may be attributed.

Winemaker
Michel Reybier

Grape / Blend
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc

Origin
St. Estephe, Bordeaux, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Pagodes de Cos comes from a clearly defined terroir and is developing its own personality. Velvety, fresh and fruity, the wine charms from the outset while already showing the structure of a Grand Vin. Its attractive mineral character gives it smoothness, and it expresses the richness of its terroir with great delicacy.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast 
The second wine of Cos d'Estournel is powerfully packed with tannins and dark ripe fruit. It is enormously rich and intense while keeping a fine smooth texture. There is a dark core that is going to allow the wine to develop over many years. Drink from 2024.

93 Points - James Suckling
The intensity of plums, spices, mushrooms and black truffles is very impressive. Full body, firm and silky tannins and a savory finish. Delicious second wine already. Better in 2020.

90 Points - Wine Spectator
Shows good flesh, with a core of plum, raspberry and blackberry paste flavors, underscored by racier pebble and savory notes. Delivers briary energy throughout. Best from 2018 through 2028.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2014 Les Pagodes de Cos, now in bottle, seems to be wasting no time in appeasing those who like to drink their Bordeaux young. (And why not? This is a deuxième vin after all.) The nose is open and generous with blackberry fruit tinged with dark chocolate and a touch of mint, the graphite element not evident here as it was in barrel. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin, very well-judged acidity and very fine focus. Like the Grand Vin, this is not an exotic or flamboyant Cos d'Estournel, but no way would you describe it as lean. There is an easy-drinking approachable nature to this Les Pagodes de Cos, without precluding it of precision and length, whilst the graphite note pops up right at the finish and on the aftertaste. This delightful wine should be drinking from 2018 and over the next decade. Tasted February 2017.

Product size: 750ml