Pagodes de Cos was created in 1994 to offer a different interpretation of the terroir of Cos d’Estournel, one that is immediately delightful, energetic and delectable. This year it is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary!
Pagodes de Cos was created in 1994 to offer a different interpretation of the terroir of Cos d’Estournel, one that is immediately delightful, energetic and delectable. This year it is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary!
While Cos d’Estournel never fails to fascinate, Pagodes de Cos begs to be shared. Charming and delectable, it delights with its energy and dazzling fruit. Approachable, spontaneous and silky, it evokes the conviviality of a lunch with good friends, delivering immediate enjoyment combined with the complexity of the terroir of Cos.
Another expression of the terroirs of Cos d’Estournel
Pagodes de Cos is the fruit of a dedicated terroir and clearly identified plots located throughout the estate. It is crafted from grapes that grow on vines forty years old on average and are meticulously selected according to the team’s intimate understanding of the vineyard’s soils. Cultivated on cooler clay and limestone soils, the Merlot used in the blend ripen later and deliver a subtle balance of fruit and freshness
The plots that produce the Cabernet Sauvignon—Manège and Sapinettes in particular—are rigorously selected to contribute to the wine’s architecture, bringing structure and depth. Finally, a small amount of Petit Verdot sublimates the final blend with distinctive tannins.
according to Dominique Arangoïts, the estate’s technical director. Pagodes de Cos is without a doubt a most singular expression of this terroir, a bit less grandiose than the estate’s grand vin, but just as elegant.
Deliberate winemaking
Pagodes de Cos is also crafted in the estate’s gravity-flow cellars, to guarantee its fruity aromas and soft tannins are preserved. It undergoes shorter barrel maturation than Cos d’Estournel—between ten and twelve months—with a moderate proportion of new oak (20%) to maintain energy and freshness.
Eight iconic vintages of Pagodes de Cos
1994 – The first vintage
The very first Pagodes de Cos, this vintage offers a balance of tertiary notes of truffle and blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry. Despite challenging weather conditions, it is remarkable in that it continues to deliver a certain vivacity.
1998 – A transitional vintage
After contrasted meteorological conditions and a harvest that took place later than usual, the 1998 vintage has come to reveal wonderfully ripe Merlot and characteristic freshness.
2002 – The first vintage under Michel Reybier
The first vintage to be crafted in the château’s historic concrete vat room, this vintage marked a turning point. It is full-bodied and dense, with aromas of spice.
2005 – A great vintage
A deep ruby hue, the 2005 vintage entices with notes of blackberry, blackcurrant and fresh tobacco. A harmonious balance of freshness and suppleness makes it a delightful, approachable wine.
2008 – The first vintage to be crafted in the gravity-flow cellars
The 2008 vintage was the first to be vinified in the estate’s gravity-flow cellars. It is a very enticing wine, with smooth texture, elegant structure and soft tannins.
2010 – An exceptional vintage
With richness, splendid texture and fine, soft tannins, the 2010 vintage has a long finish and lingering freshness reminiscent of certain grands vins.
2020 – Michel Reybier’s twentieth vintage
Part of the magnificent 2018/2019/2020 trilogy, the 2020 vintage is a wine to be savored. Balanced and delectable, it delights the senses with its aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, blueberry, violet and tea, smooth texture and fine balance of delicacy and freshness.
2022 – A truly outstanding vintage
With its enveloping, delicate texture, the 2022 vintage offers a sophisticated palette of vibrant strawberry and raspberry, mild spices and notes of coffee. An ethereal, elegant wine that reveals the many charms of Pagodes de Cos.
And coming soon… the 2024
Pagodes de Cos has been revealing another facet of the terroir of Cos d’Estournel for the past thirty years. Specially designed for the occasion, an engraved bottle bears witness to the history and evolution of a wine that has never ceased to delight connoisseurs.
