Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estèphe 2025 - Second vin (Primeurs)

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The vinification facility, as spectacular in its own right as the château’s pagodas, is equipped with tank lifts that allow for gravity-fed processing—not only during vinification but also during aging—and was first put into use in 2008. It represents the culmination of the estate’s considerable efforts to elevate this wine to the highest possible level, with the ambition of rivaling the First Growths in quality. The deep gravel soil generally makes it the fullest-bodied of the Médoc wines, the most voluptuous in texture, while retaining the finesse and complexity characteristic of its proximity to Lafite. Recent vintages have gained even greater 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.

Decanter

About the wine:

Supple and full-bodied, with a velvety yet lively texture, crisp tannins, refreshing acidity, aromas of ripe, juicy fruit—more blueberry than blackcurrant—and a hint of crushed stone on the finish. Very well-structured, without being flashy, but with a lovely confidence. A serious wine, yet one that also has a gentle side. A very good Pagodes. There is much to appreciate here. I love the texture and length. 1% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. 2030–2040

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the estate:

Businessman Michel Reybier, who acquired the estate in 2000, invested heavily to equip Cos d’Estournel with everything needed to produce the finest wine possible. The construction of one of the world’s most advanced wineries, designed by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, is a prime example of this. Cos has always produced expressive wines with a rather exuberant style. In the early 2000s, it even occasionally veered into caricature, pushing the finesse that the terroir is capable of expressing into the background. The tide has turned, and with the latest vintages, Cos has rediscovered an expression that once again captivates us.

James Suckling

About the wine:

A juicy and velvety Cos second wine, with spicy and nutty notes that highlight the wine’s black fruit aromas. It has a medium-bodied to full-bodied palate, with juicy fruit notes and a savory finish. It displays good structure while remaining harmonious and refined. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc.

Falstaff