Pagodes de Cos - Saint-Estèphe 2015

Vinous

88

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Les Pagodes de Cos is a little dour on the nose compared to its peers, lacking the same vitality and brightness. The palate is medium-bodied with grippy, slightly dry tannin. One of the most austere Saint-Estèphes with a strong tobacco finish. It needs to flesh out with bottle age. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Vinous

91

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

The 2015 Les Pagodes de Cos is a very serious second wine, especially in this vintage, where so many Saint Estèphes are on the lighter side. Plush, deep and enveloping, within the mid-weight style of the year, the 2015 Pagodes possesses lovely depth, texture and resonance. Black cherry, plum, licorice, tobacco and menthol wrap around the racy finish. All the elements are in the right place. This is very nicely done. The blend is 46% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

Wine Advocate

88

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2015 Les Pagodes de Cos has a rather fragrant nose of florals and earthy notions over a core of warm black fruits, red currants and cherry cordial plus a waft of sautéed herbs. The medium-bodied mouth is finely crafted, refreshing and soft with well-played tannins.

Wine Spectator

87

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

Pepper, bay leaf and olive notes lead off, with the core of bright red currant and damson plum fruit playing catch-up. The bright, wet pebble-edged finish is a touch taut in the end. Drink now through 2027. 19,167 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

94

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

Really juicy and delicious on the nose. Enticing. Plum, berry and spice undertones. Some chocolate. Full and very long. Gorgeous focus and finesse. Better in 2021.

Jeb DUNNUCK

89

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

The Wine Cellar Insider

86-88

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Medium-bodied, approachable and elegant in style with an open, polished, sweet, black cherry core of fruit. This is going to be good to drink while waiting for its big brother, the Grand Vin, to mature. The wine reached 12.9% alcohol.

Wine Advocate

87-89

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Pagodes de Cos is a blend of 46.2% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot that will be matured in 30% new barrels. It has a generous bouquet of earthy, sous-bois-tinged black fruit, delineated if not as intense as the 2014 I recall from 12 months ago. The palate is medium-bodied and shows a little more sophisticated than the aromatics, principally because of the appealing fineness of the tannin and how well the oak is enmeshed into the fruit. That lends it a smooth and silky texture, and I suggest that after 2-3 years in bottle, this should drink nicely for up to another decade.

Decanter.com

91

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Very good crushed berry fruit and a much more elegant style than before. A polished wine with depth and spice, silky texture and exotic spices; very well made. 2020-2030

Vinous

90-93

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

A big, enveloping wine, the 2015 Pagodes de Cos wraps around the palate with serious depth and intensity. The flavors are rich, voluptuous in this bold Saint-Estèphe. Mocha, black cherry, plum, licorice and menthol meld into the voluptuous, creamy finish. This is a highly appealing second wine from Cos. The blend is 46% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot.

Jancis Robinson

17

byJancis Robinsonthe4/26/2016

46% Merlot, 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. 30% new oak. IPT 57. Dark crimson. Very dark. Very fragrant - almost Cabernet Franc aromas. Round and flattering - very smart texture. Lovely top tip for early-maturing wine. GV? Drink 2021-2031.

timatkin.com

91

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Wine Enthusiast

93-95

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. Made from selected parcels, this is a wine that has its own style, generous and ripe with just a backbone of tannins. The acidity is right up there with its bright character and blackberry juice flavors. The core is firm and dark, showing its aging potential. 94 points

Jamessuckling.com

91-92

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

Fine and silky second wine of Cos with blueberry, blackberry and walnut aromas and flavors.