Les Pagodes de Cos - Second Vin du Château Cos d'Estournelle 2012

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

The vat room, as spectacular in its kind as the pagodas of the château, equipped with vat elevators allowing gravity-fed operation not only during vinification but also during ageing, was used for the first time in 2008. It is the crowning achievement of the estate's considerable efforts to bring this cru to the highest possible level, with the ambition of rivaling the premier crus classés in quality. The deep gravelly soil generally makes it the fullest-bodied of the Médoc wines, the most voluptuous in texture, yet retaining a finesse and complexity characteristic of its neighborhood with Lafite. Recent vintages have further enhanced its aromatic purity and sincerity of expression. A highly aromatic and intense white Bordeaux is produced on the soils of La Goulée, a little further north, and bears its name.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Their second wine, Les Pagodes de Cos, has supple tannins, a deep ruby/purple color, aromas of plum and black cherry, a generous texture on the palate and excellent purity. This is a very straightforward, convivial second wine that will be enjoyed over the next ten years.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Businessman Michel Reybier, who acquired the estate in 2000, has devoted considerable resources to ensuring that Cos d'Estournel has everything it needs to make the finest possible wine. The construction of one of the world's most efficient wineries, by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, is a case in point. Cos has always produced expressive wines with a rather exuberant style. In the early 2000s, it even sometimes tipped over into caricature, overshadowing the finesse that the terroir is capable of expressing. Things are turning around, however, and with recent vintages Cos has rediscovered an expression that once again appeals to us.

Wine Enthusiast

Jancis Robinson