2023 Pagodes de Cos, St Estèphe, Bordeaux

51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. 47% of the production. Cask sample.

Juicy, fresh and balanced. More linear than last year with finely etched tannins. Precise but lacks a bit of excitement.

Drink 2028 - 2038

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Pagodes de Cos charges out of the gate with bold notes of crushed black and red currants, fresh black cherries, and bay leaves leading to suggestions of lavender and graphite. Light-bodied and elegantly styled, the palate delivers compelling tension and bright, crunchy red berry flavors, supported by grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering chalky note. The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot.

Drink 2028 - 2042

The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos, representing 47% of the volume of the château, has a plush crushed strawberry, cassis and violet-scented bouquet that displays some prudent use of oak. The palate is svelte and silky in texture and harmonious, with a judicious pinch of white pepper and graphite. A nicely poised, persistent finish wraps things up in style. This is a classy Les Pagodes that should give 12 to 15 years of drinking pleasure.

Drink 2027 - 2042

The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos has turned out beautifully, offering up aromas of cassis, orange zest, vine smoke and incense, followed by a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished palate with a deep core of fruit, supple tannins and a lively, mouthwatering finish. It's a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the 2023 Pagodes De Cos is a gorgeous effort offering lots of ripe red and black fruits, some graphite, toasted spice, and savory tobacco notes, medium to full body, and ripe tannins. It has a savory, firmer edge and will need some time.

The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos makes a strong statement out of the gate. A blast of intense dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol, game, licorice, dried herbs and chocolate infuses the palate with remarkable textural intensity. Ample and resonant in the glass, with fabulous balance, Les Pagodes is exceptionally fine in 2023. The long, sustained finish is a thing of beauty.

Drink 2027 - 2043

The polished and creamy texture here is extremely attractive, with blueberry, blackcurrant and crushed-stone aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with linear tannins, showing polish and finesse. Creamy mouth-feel. Second wine of Cos. 12.9% alcohol. 51% cabernet sauvignon, 45% merlot, 2% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.

Vivid ruby colour, reserved aromatics, well balanced, chalky slightly austere tannins, less exuberant than the 2022 vintage, while still delivering seductive and highly spiced black cherry and cassis fruits, showcasing the potential of St Estèphe in the vintage. Harvest September 12 to 29, 20% new oak. In organic conversion.

Drink 2027 - 2038