Les Pagodes de Cos, St Estèphe, 2023
A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the Cos team decided to pick early and chose cooler, shorter macerations with a soft remontage. We felt the 2023 was rather meagre and lacking joy. We hope we will be proved wrong.
critic reviews
Vivid chalky character to the tannins, pumice stone and juicy oyster shell salinity, this is a beautiful Pagodes, full of joy, seductive tannins, damson and black cherry fruit, great stuff. Harvest September 12 to 29, 20% new oak. In organic conversion, should be confirmed in 2026, after buying new vines so needed to start again.
The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos is a step up from the G d'Estournel this year, with more expressive and slightly riper blackberry and blueberry scents laced with light violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied, with fine but quite firm tannins that frame the pure black fruit laced with subtle briny notes. Fine length, quite strict and linear in style, I would afford this three to four years in bottle.
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.
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.