2020 Pagodes de Cos
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Tasting notes
Clearly the standout in the lineup, the 2020 Pagodes De Cos is deep ruby-purple in hue and offers a Grand Vin-like perfume of cassis, spicy oak, tobacco, and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, it’s pure and elegant on the palate, with ripe tannins, a seamless texture, and beautiful overall balance. The blend is 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, and it should evolve gracefully over the coming 15+ years. Drink 2025-2045.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The refinement and mouthfeel to this is so beautiful already, with polished, silky tannins. Medium-bodied and savory, with tobacco, berry and currant character. Nearly ready to drink. Drink or hold.
A vintage that marks 20 years since the arrival of Reybier, and it's an excellent example of the success of Cos under his ownership. Here you get a creamier quality to the fruit than some of the older vintages in the lineup, with blackberry pastille, raspberry puree, careful extraction, finessed tannins, black tea and liquorice. Still young but hovering on the brink of being ready to be opened and shared. Always worth noting with 2020 wines that this was also the Covid vintage so difficult in terms of manpower but the team had plenty of time to concentrate on their vineyards - made easier by the fact that each team member at Cos always has their own plot to work on. Harvest September 10 to 24, Dominique Arangoïts technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant, 20% new oak for ageing.
Tasted blind. Deep crimson. Darker-fruited and more savoury than the Marquis de Calon. Peppery/spicy oak. Lifted and very fresh on the palate, relatively light but balanced. Finely dry tannins, juicy finish. (JH)
About the producer
Louis Gaspard d’Estournel inherited Cos and Pomys in 1791, founding Cos d’Estournel in 1811, investing significantly in the property and expanding the estate from 14 to 45 hectares. The estate rapidly rose to prominence and the wines were exported around the world.