Les Pagodes de Cos St Estephe 2019
The northernmost of the famous Bordeaux Left Bank appellations, Saint-Estèphe is home to a number of iconic estates and can produce structured, long-lived wines of great finesse. Saint-Estèphe is one of the many famous Left Bank red wine appellations of Bordeaux, known for reds based on Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Saint-Estèphe is situated at the northern end of the Haut-Médoc region (just south of the Médoc appellation that runs north to the Pointe de Grave and the Bay of Biscay).
Critical Acclaim
95 Wine Enthusiast
The powerful tannins of the wine show its considerable aging potential. The second wine of Cos d'Estournel, this is a great wine in its own right showing a rich structure and dark fruits.
94 James Suckling
This is very spicy and linear with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with freshness and lovely length. Very classic in style. Closed at the end. Drink after 2025.
94 Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the Saint-Estèphe releases, the 2019 Pagodes De Cos is based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and the rest Petit Verdot, which is very close to the blend of the 2018. It sports a vibrant purple color as well as classic Saint-Estèphe dark currant fruits interwoven with plenty of damp earth, cedar box, tobacco, and graphite. It's beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied, has silky tannins, and great balance. It's a serious second wine.
94 Wine Advocate
The 2019 Les Pagodes de Cos (14.03% alcohol) is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aging in 20% new barriques. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, notions of wild blueberries, boysenberries and redcurrant jelly come bounding out of the glass, followed by a profound core of warm cassis, licorice and bouquet garni with a touch of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with bright, expressive black and red fruit flavors, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing on a lingering spicy note.
94 Vinous
The 2019 Les Pagodes de Cos has an intriguing bouquet that takes time to settle in the glass. When it finally does, it reveals well-defined blackberry, raspberry and briary aromas, a touch of undergrowth/damp moss too. Where it really delivers is on the elegant palate framed by fine-boned tannins and a fine bead of acidity. A Pauillac-like, pencil lead tinged finish, that dare I say, is reminiscent of Lafite-Rothschild! This is well worth seeking out.
