critic reviews
A vintage that marks 20 years since the arrival of Reybier, and it's an excellent example of the success of Cos under his ownership. Here you get a creamier quality to the fruit than some of the older vintages in the lineup, with blackberry pastille, raspberry puree, careful extraction, finessed tannins, black tea and liquorice. Still young but hovering on the brink of being ready to be opened and shared. Always worth noting with 2020 wines that this was also the Covid vintage so difficult in terms of manpower but the team had plenty of time to concentrate on their vineyards - made easier by the fact that each team member at Cos always has their own plot to work on. Harvest September 10 to 24, Dominique Arangoïts technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant, 20% new oak for ageing.
The 2020 Pagodes de Cos has an enticing, vigorous nose, with redcurrant, cranberry, loam and forest floor scents coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins (for a Saint-Estèphe). It's powdery in texture with a bit of austerity on the finish. This just needs to flesh out a little. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Les Pagodes de Cos is fleshy and dramatic, bursting with aromas of creme de cassis, lilac, spices and creamy new oak. Medium to full-bodied, rich and textural, it's an unctuous, ripe, modern-styled red that will drink well young.
The 2020 Pagodes de Cos is deep garnet-purple in color. Notions of plum preserves, black cherries, and fruitcake spring from the glass, followed by hints of Chinese five spice and potpourri. The medium-bodied palate is tightly wound, with great freshness and fine grained tannins, finishing with a spicy kick.