PAGODES DE COS Rouge 2nd wine of Ch. Cos d'Estournel, Saint-Estephe 2021 Bottle 13%abv

Description

Château Cos d`Estournel is named after its 19th century owner, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, and it was he who built the bizarre oriental edifice that is a landmark for any tourist in the Médoc. Today Cos d'Estournel is without doubt the leading estate in St-Estéphe. It is located in the south of the appellation on the border with Pauillac and its vineyards are superbly sited on a south-facing gravel ridge with a high clay content, just north of Lafite.

Cos d'Estournel is typically a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc - do not be fooled by the relatively high Merlot content, as these are full-bodied, dark, brooding tannic wines when young which develop a complexity and intensity that can rival many top growths from Pauillac.

In 1998 the Prats family sold Cos d'Estournel to The Tailan Group. Cos d'Estournel is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé.

Blend: 60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.
Yield : 35 hl/ha
PH : 3,71
Abv : 12,49%

THE WINE ADVOCATE Rating (90 - 92)
Reviewed by William Kelley
Issue Date 29th Apr 2022
Source Issue 260 End of April 2022, The Wine Advocate
"Impressively rich and concentrated for a second wine in this vintage, the 2021 Les Pagodes de Cos delivers notes of raspberries, spiced plums and violets, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and salted palate framed by ripe tannins and lively acids."

DECANTER Score 90
Tasted by Georgina Hindle (at Bordeaux, 01 Apr 2022)
"Fragrant with soft spicing, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, dark chocolate with bramble tones and blackcurrant leaf. Fruit feels well worked, I love the texture here - still quite straight and linear, all in one line, but with cool fruit nuances, svelte and sleek tannins and a lovely freshness. Also these spicy Cabernet markers too which are so appealing. Direct with chalky elements that are given lift by the quite present acidity, adding a vivacity to the overall flavour. Good complexity and broad structure. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2036."

JAMES SUCKLING Score 93-94
"This is a racy Pagodes with beautiful fruit and tannins that leave a nice, persistent finish. Medium to full body. Savory finish. Tight and clean."

JANCIS ROBINSON Score 16
Drink 2027 - 2035
60% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
"Dark- and red-berry aromas. Medium-bodied, round and juicy but lacks some intensity. Firm tannins with a bit of bite on the finish so some structure. May develop but not much excitement at present"