2025 Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estephe
Year after year this is one of the best second wines offering a more approachable drinking experience earlier in its youth. The 2025 is supple, plump, and filled with chewy tannins. This is packed with ripe fleshy fruit and is a serious wine in its own right. Definitely one to buy by the case.
Situated between Pauillac and Saint-Estèphe, and separated from Château Lafite by the stream known as La Jalle du Breuil (The Breuil Brook), the hill of Cos rises dominates the Gironde from the height of almost 65 feet. Certainly impressive to lay eyes on, and it's exactly what sets the wine apart as well - both in the bottle and on the label. In the old Gascon language, the word "Cos" means "The Hill of Pebbles." And as a matter of fact, the hill of Cos, which is situated on the banks of the Gironde, is an impressive accumulation of Quaternary gravel wrested from the distant mountains of the Massif Central and the Pyrenees and laid on Saint-Estèphe's limestone bed when the primeval river receded. These well-draining slopes formed by erosion have deep layers of gravel - making it not only a geological curiosity, but one of the most precious terroir in the world. Vines can root deeply into these arid soils looking for moisture. As a result the vines work hard and end up producing an intensely flavored and one-of-a-kind wine.
James Suckling
A juicy and velvety second wine of Cos, with spices and hazelnuts that highlight the dark fruit in this wine. It’s medium- to full-bodied with juicy fruit and a flavorful finish. Shows structure, but is integrated and polished. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot and 11% cabernet franc.
Decanter
Supple and plump, softly chewy and bright with crisp tannins, cooling acidity, ripe fleshy fruit but more blueberry than blackcurrant with a lick of crushed stones on the finish. Really well constructed, not showy at all, but feels confident. A serious wine but with a soft side. A very good Pagodes. Lots to like here. I love the texture and length. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.
Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of 62% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc that's being raised in 20% new barrels, the 2025 Pagodes De Cos is the second wine of this terrific château and is a gorgeous effort that's the equivalent of many a Grand Vin. Ripe currants, cassis, spring flowers, graphite, and smoky oak all define the nose, and on the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, with a layered, rounded mouthfeel, beautiful balance, and nicely integrated acidity. It checks in at a pH of 3.62 and will shine in its youth yet also age gracefully.
Vinous
The 2025 Les Pagodes de Cos is fragrant and floral on the nose, with violet and iris petals, and light iodine aromas infusing the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied, with silky tannins on the entry, very harmonious, with blue fruit and black pepper towards the sensual finish. This will require three or four years in bottle but should mature well over 15 to 18 years