Pagodes de Cos 2016, Saint Estèphe

Pagodes de Cos was created in 1994 and, importantly, it is not an afterthought. Cos d’Estournel treats it as a dedicated second label, sourced from specific plots, designed to carry the estate’s voice in a more accessible register.

The 2016 vintage gives that precision a perfect canvas. It is one of those years where structure and freshness are naturally aligned, making a well made second wine feel far more serious than the category stereotype. This was the 3rd time I tasted rhis wine in the past few months, and it continues to amaze me.