2022, Les Pagodes de Cos, SAINT-ESTÈPHE

Bordeaux Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot.

Pagodes is the second wine of Cos d'Estournel and is, of course, made in the same stunning new winery as Cos itself. It is a more approachable version of the grand vin and usually of classed growth quality.

Strong and heady nose, so aromatically expressive, smells quite potent. Supple and agile, generous and friendly, juicy and sweet with a sour tang and clean stoney texture. The tannins are super fine but supportive and softly gripping in all the right places. Sensuous, but fun - so much personality and style. I love the sweet core, the brightness and vibrancy. Electric but there’s depth and concentration too with a stony undercurrent that puts you squarely in St-Estephe. Absolutely stunning - a top buy! 94 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

The 2022 Pagodes d’Estournel is a very sexy wine. Rich, ample and engaging, the 2022 makes a very strong opening impression. Black cherry, plum, liquorice, spice and chocolate are front and centre. This flashy, radiant Saint-Estèphe is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Firm, chocolatey tannins sustain the finish.
92-94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.

The 2022 Les Pagodes de Cos represents one-third of this year's volume and is matured in 20% new oak. It has a sensual bouquet with ripe blackberry and raspberry fruit. It's delineated and focused but is clearly a Deuxième Vin requiring some bottle age. The palate is well-defined with fine-boned tannins, fresh, vibrant and cohesive with a tensile, slightly peppery finish that lingers long in the mouth. This seems to grow in the glass. 91-93 Neal Martin, Vinous.

A hit of olive, bitter chocolate and salted caramel opens things up here, along with brambled fruits and plentiful tannins. 33% of the crop used in Pagodes this year, instead of the usual 50%, with all the rest in the 1st wine. 93 Jane Anson.

Drinking Window: 2027 - 2045