Château Cos d'Estournel, Pagodes de Cos, 2020, Saint-Estèphe (AOC)

'One-Liner'
All the exotic charm of Cos d’Estournel in a more approachable guise – plush, polished and unmistakably Saint-Estèphe.

Tasting Note
Deep garnet in colour, with an expressive nose of blackcurrant, blackberry and blueberry layered with violet, black tea and a touch of sweet spice. The palate is generous and velvety, offering ripe cassis and dark berry fruit wrapped in fine, supple tannins. Notes of liquorice, tobacco, dark chocolate and gentle oak emerge beneath the fruit, bringing plenty of complexity without sacrificing freshness. There is real richness here, but also the structure and savoury edge characteristic of Saint-Estèphe. Long and poised on the finish, with dark fruit, spice and tea lingering beautifully.

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Saint-Estèphe AOC
Grape(s): 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
ABV: 13%
Friendly: n/a

Awards & Critics' Scores
Jeb Dunnuck – 94/100
James Suckling – 93/100
Decanter – 93/100
Vinous, Antonio Galloni – 93/100
Wine Enthusiast – 92/100
Wine Spectator – 92/100
Wine Advocate – 91/100

The Story
Pagodes de Cos takes its name from one of the most extraordinary sights in Bordeaux. Cos d’Estournel’s founder, Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, developed a thriving trade with India during the nineteenth century and became so fascinated by the East that he crowned his Saint-Estèphe estate with its now-famous pagodas, earning himself the nickname the ‘Maharajah of Saint-Estèphe’. Pagodes de Cos was created in 1994, but rather than simply being whatever fruit does not make the grand vin, it comes from its own clearly identified parcels within the Cos vineyard, where the vines average around forty years old. The 2020 combines Cabernet Sauvignon’s cassis, freshness and structure with a generous helping of Merlot for softness and breadth, creating a wine that offers a wonderfully accessible introduction to the distinctive, slightly exotic style of this celebrated Second Growth estate.

Perfect With... (click me for the recipe)
- Meat/fish: Slow-braised beef goulash with sweet paprika and caraway
- Vegetarian: Roast squash, blue cheese and caramelised onion galette
- Vegan: Lentil and walnut stuffed onions with rosemary and red wine gravy