Cos d'Estournel St-Estèphe Les Pagodes de Cos 2016

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The second wine of Cos d’Estournel is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Cabernet Franc, and it took 55% of the crop. It was bottled in July 2018, after 13 months in barrel, using 30% new oak. This has a truly striking nose, with fragrant black fruits, black cherry, currant, damson and olive, but with a powerfully fragrant violet and white-flower element too, a real rose garden of a nose, with notes of crushed limestone. It is quite reminiscent of the floral intensity of Palmer in this vintage, which is a good thing. The palate is supremely fresh, pure and broad, showing a moderate texture, correct and sinewy, with a wealth of ripe tannins running beneath it all, supporting a layer of black summer fruits, all intertwined with toast, vanilla oak and some floral elements. Fresh, bold, pure and concentrated, this is a stunning second wine. (Dec 2018)"

94 points James Suckling: "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. Try from 2025. (2/3/19)"

94 points Tim Atkin, MW (Apr 2017).

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dense and full of dark fruits, this second wine from Cos d'Estournel comes from specific parcels. With blackberry fruits and rich, generous tannins, the wine has weight and concentration. The freshness at the end is so typical of the vintage. Drink from 2023.(May 2019)"

93 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Proof that in the great vintages, the smart money should be seeking out second wines of classified growths for wines that are guaranteed to deliver. This is packed with spice, chocolate, opulent in texture with an unmissable gourmet edge, given definition by a precise edge of cassis bud and liquorice, and a better balance overall than the 2010 Pagodes, although both are delicious wines. 0.5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Drinking Window: 2021-2036. (2/8/21)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The second wine of the estate is no slouch. The 2016 Pagodes de Cos has some grand vin character in its cassis and graphite aromas and flavors. Showing more incense, graphite, and hints of flowers with air time, this medium to full-bodied, rounded, beautifully textured effort is well worth a case purchase. Drink this beauty, the equal to most estates’ top wines, while you wait on the grand vin to come around. Drink: 2019-2039. (2/28/19)"

92 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "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. Drink: 2020-2033. (11/30/18)."

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Les Pagodes de Cos has a wonderful bouquet of vibrant, expressive red berry fruit, strawberry and raspberry, conveying a tangible sense of mineralité and tension; the new oak is very well integrated here. The balanced palate offers fine-boned tannins and very well judged acidity. Utterly harmonious, with a caressing and beautifully poised finish. This is a top-class Saint-Estèphe that will age with panache. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink 2021-2035. (Jan 2020)"