Les Pagodes de Cos 2017

Much more scented than the Goulée just tasted, with lovely dark-red fruits here. Sweet cassis and a light floral note. Delicate but harmonious structure, cool and silky, extremely silky, very fresh, apparently delicate but persistent too. Elegant and fresh right to the finish. Succulent and beautifully balanced.Drink 2024-2032

The nose is tight the start of the palate firm the fruit restrained by the tannins. Richer in the middle the powerful mix of black fruits pushes through concentred rich black fruits at the back the finish closed at the moment the tannins obvious. 2024-33

There is much more spice and dark fruit here and this vintage of Pagodes definitely has a mini-Cos feel about it. It is a little more streamlined and a little more discreet and controlled than I was anticipating. A superb effort, the tannins are smart and there is some enviable complexity on the nose. This is a far more detailed wine than I remember in previous vintages.

The 2017 Les Pagodes de Cos, which is being matured in 30% new oak (half of the Grand Vin), has a very clean and pure bouquet with black cherries, boysenberry jam and Indian ink. There is certainly impressive intensity here considering this is the deuxième vin. The palate is medium-bodied with succulent ripe tannin. It is furnished with pretty blackberry and wild strawberry notes laced with white pepper and a subtle graphite seam. It has good sustain in the mouth with a “Pauillac” inspired finish in terms of discrete austerity and tannic backbone. I admire the focus here and even though there is not huge length this should age well. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 2020 - 2030

This is a tightly wound second wine with dark-berry, hazelnut and chocolate character. Full body, integrated tannins and a fresh and bright finish.

This is the second label of Cos d’Estournel, which accounted for about 55% of production in 2017. A blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 42% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Les Pagodes de Cos has a deep garnet-purple color and exuberant notes of crushed blackberries, red currants and cassis with touches of charcuterie, black soil and garrigue plus a waft of lavender. Medium-bodied and very fine-grained, it has great intensity and vibrancy with a good long, fruity finish.