Château Cos d'Estournel "Les Pagodes de Cos" 2009 is a top-tier second-label red wine from the Saint-Estèphe appellation in Bordeaux, France. 2009 is widely considered a legendary vintage in modern Bordeaux winemaking history. This second label inherits the luxurious, mature, and rich style of the grand vin, earning a high score of 94 points from renowned wine critic Robert Parker. It is hailed as surpassing even many of the estate's grand vin vintages from the 1960s to the 1980s in quality.
Wine Profile
- Region: Bordeaux, France – Saint-Estèphe
- Vintage: 2009 (One of the great vintages of Bordeaux, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine)
- Alcohol concentration: 14.5%.
- Grape Varieties: Primarily a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot (the 2009 vintage even contained a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon).
Tasting Note
- Flavor profile: The 2009 vintage was exceptional, resulting in a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in this second label compared to the first label (69% vs. 65%). The wine is full-bodied and round, exuding rich aromas of blackcurrant crème de cassis, blackberry, graphite, cigar box, warm spices, and floral notes. The tannins are ripe and velvety smooth, offering a juicy palate with excellent freshness and structure.
- Structure: Powerful tannins yet silky smooth, a rounded and full mid-palate with a mineral and charred finish.
- Drinking Period and Condition: This wine is currently at its perfect drinking window. Critic Jeff Leve notes that its tannins have softened completely, resulting in a satin-like texture; its exceptional aging potential allows it to easily age until around 2030-2032.
- Food Pairing Suggestions: Perfect for pairing with thick-cut ribeye steak, herb-roasted lamb chops, roast duck, game, or Asian meat dishes with rich sauces.
