If you have not tasted the high priced Cos d'Estournel (a 2nd Growth Bordeaux), this would be a good opportunity to get an idea of the style and quality of the wine. By drinking this 2nd wine. 2nd wines tend to be made from younger vines from the same vineyards or grapes that did not make the quality criteria for the Grand Vin (Cos Estournel in this case)
Cos d'Estournel tend to be intensely fruited, modern in style (good fruit purity) and have great ageing potential. We advise you to decant this before drinking or open it in the morning for dinner. To be enjoyed with food.
'A red with very deep and intense fruit character, yet rich tannins to back it all up. Full-bodied, layered and powerful. The second wine of Cos d’Estournel is serious again in 2016...' James Suckling 94 pts
'The 2016 Les Pagodes de Cos is blended of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc. It has a deep garnet-purple color and opens with notions of warm cassis, black cherries and smoked meats giving way to scents of charcoal, underbrush and cloves plus a waft of new leather. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with generous black fruits and some compelling red fruit sparks, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and finishing long and spicy.' Wine Advocate 92 pts.
'This is a serious wine representing 55% of the overall production, with the other 45% in Cos ('not one drop into a third wine or bulk' says director Aymeric de Gironde). Extremely dark black cassis fruits and graphite show the power of St-Estèphe clays. Fresh, bright and well structured (3.61pH, 65IPT), this is bristling with fruit and silky tannins, and may even close down for a few years. A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 0.6% Cabernet Franc from vines averaging 35 years old, aged in 30% new oak.' Decanter 92 pts.
'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.' Wine Cellar Insider 94