Pagodes de Cos, another facet of Cos d’Estournel

Cos d’Estournel has been producing Pagodes de Cos since 1994. A delectable complement to the other wines of the estate, it is a delightful wine with a unique signature style that is best enjoyed when shared with family and friends.
The dedicated plots on which Pagodes de Cos is grown tend to mature later than the rest of the vineyard, resulting in expressive wines with lighter tannins and beautiful aromas of fruit. 35 years old on average, the vines on these plots deliver consistent wines with lovely breadth.
In July 2017, the technical team at the estate organized a vertical tasting of the 2009-2015 vintages of Pagodes de Cos. It was a rare event, and one that revealed the adaptability of the terroir in the face of varying meteorological conditions, resulting in a singular expression from one year to the next.

Pagodes de Cos 2015
The 2015 vintage is a seductive, vibrant, finely honed wine with briny notes and lovely aromas of fruit that are characteristic of Pagodes de Cos. Fresh and energetic, it has already gained in complexity despite being the youngest vintage of the tasting and will continue to improve with time.

Pagodes de Cos 2014
The favorite of the event, Pagodes de Cos 2014 offers impressive intensity and complexity. Rich and opulent, it is closer in style to Cos d’Estournel, for which it might be mistaken in a blind tasting.
But it also reveals notes characteristic of Pagodes de Cos, including lasting aromas of brioche balanced against refreshing notes of brine. Full of power and verve, with structuring notes of spices, butter and freshness, the 2014 vintage is a perfect expression of the terroir of Pagodes de Cos.

Pagodes de Cos 2013
Among all the vintages tasted, Pagodes de Cos 2013 most strongly evokes the sea. Floral and refreshing, it offers a delightful, modern nose of ripe red berries.
Remarkably energetic and pure, the 2013 will continue to gain in complexity and subtlety with age.

Pagodes de Cos 2012
A slightly older vintage, the 2012 offers a fuller aromatic palette when compared to its younger counterparts. Velvety notes of mild tobacco, licorice and gentle spices balance against vibrant aromas of fruit and the freshness and brininess characteristic of Pagodes de Cos. Between the energy of youth and a more mature expression, it is ready to be enjoyed today.

Pagodes de Cos 2011
Curiously enough, the highly structured profile of Pagodes de Cos 2011 makes it seem younger than the 2012 vintage. It is, however, long and intense, which augurs well for its ageing potential.
Notes of menthol bring freshness and vivacity to this vintage, a pleasant counterpoint to its round, buttery notes. Cassis, pepper and spices complete the aromatic palette of this classic vintage.

Pagodes de Cos 2010
Similar to Pagodes de Cos 2014, the 2010 vintage exhibits incredible opulence and density, with dominant aromas of violet and notes of licorice, tobacco and spices. On the palate it is clean and refined with a long, fresh finish.
A surprising and fascinating vintage, the 2010 exhibits superb complexity and unusual characteristics that are the result of the terroir‘s ability to adapt to atypical weather conditions.

Pagodes de Cos 2009
Like the 2014 and 2010 vintages, Pagodes de Cos 2009 is an exceptional wine for its category.
The nose evokes warm notes of almond paste, bitter orange and melon jam. Round and long on the palate, the 2009 vintage displays intensity and opulence balanced against a silky, delicate freshness.
The 2009 has great cellaring potential but is also magnificent now and can be enjoyed immediately.