Cos D'Estournel Pagodes De Cos 2016 750ml

St. Estephe Wine
Bordeaux, France
Deeply colored, concentrated, and distinctive, St. Estephe is the go-to for great, age-worthy and reliable Bordeaux reds. Separated from Pauillac merely by a stream, St. Estephe is the farthest northwest of the highest classed villages of the Haut Medoc and is therefore subject to the most intense maritime influence of the Atlantic.

St. Estephe soils are rich in gravel like all of the best sites of the Haut Medoc but here the formation of gravel over clay creates a cooler atmosphere for its vines compared to those in the villages farther downstream. This results in delayed ripening and wines with higher acidity compared to the other villages.

While they can seem a bit austere when young, St. Estephe reds prove to live very long in the cellar. Traitionally dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, many producers now add a significant proportion of Merlot to the blend, which will soften any sharp edges of the more tannic, Cabernet.

The St. Estephe village contains two second growths, Chateau Montrose and Cos d’Estournel.

Bordeaux Blends
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.

Critic tasting note: (2016 vintage) "The family resembalance between its big brother is uncanny. The spicy, smoky earthy, pure fruits are present and accounted for. But they are softm silky and lighter, allowing you to enjoy this with a just a year or two of age. Though this beauty will be going strong for up to 2 decades. 93 Points" - 93/100, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Producer Notes
It is reminiscent of the simple pleasures of life, like homemade blackcurrant syrup, a bowl of just-picked red cherries or a freshly opened jar of citrus jam. Pagodes de Cos is at once indulgent, comforting and vivacious, like a carefree conversation with family or friends in a familiar place.

Producer Tasting Notes
With the 2016 vintage, Pagodes de Cos continues to affirm its personality while also hinting at the grander style of Cos d’Estournel. It is balanced and voluptuous, silky and seductive, a wine of enjoyment and pleasure. With refined yet complex tannins, 2016 vintage captures the essence of Pagodes de Cos, offering a great deal of promise for the future.