Chateau Cos d'Estournel, Saint Estephe "Les Pagodes de Cos" 2018

Chateau Cos dEstournel, Saint Estphe Second Growth, moved from good to better in 2000 when it was bought by the industrious Michel Reybier. With the help of previous owner, Jean-Guillaume Prats, they designed the most modern wine-making facilities in the entire Bordeaux appellation at the time. Its a marvel from an architectural point of view, with its unique blend of simplicity and modern technology.

The 100 hectares vineyard is planted to 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot.

Their second wine,Les Pagodes de Cos was called Marbuzet, since the majority of the fruit came from their vineyard called Marbuzet, until both properties were purchased by Michel Reybier. Today, the grapes used in Les Pagodes de Cos include fruit from Marbuzet, as well as grapes from young vines and declassified wine intended for Cos dEstournel. Since 2005, Les Pagodes de Cos has morphed into one of the better second wines in all of Bordeaux. On average, Les Pagodes de Cos is aged in 40% new French oak barrels.

"Deceptively easy to drink, Les Pagodes de Cos 2015 is medium-bodied, silky, refined and fresh, with soft, polished tannins and finish replete with dusty cocoa and perfectly, ripe, sweet cherries. No decanting needed here. Just pop, pour and enjoy it. As a side note here, the wine has improved in score each time I have tasted it since it was in barrel.

92 Points - The Wine Cellar Insider.