Les Pagodes de Cos 2020

The 2020 Les Pagodes de Cos has a well-defined, almost Graves-like bouquet of a mélange of red and black fruit: punnets of freshly picked strawberries and raspberried, and blackberries following later. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannins. This Les Pagodes has a smooth veneer, just a faint wisp of dark chocolate and espresso infusing the predominantly red fruit. A second wine that will probably drink well after one or two years in bottle. Drink: 2023-2030

The 2020 Les Pagodes de Cos is composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot. The harvest took place September 10–24 with a yield of 39 hectoliters per hectare. The alcohol weighs in at 13.28% with a pH of 3.85 and an IPT (total phenolic index) of 68. It is being aged in French oak barrels, 30% new.

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it sashays out of the glass with pretty, open-knit scents of stewed black plums, boysenberries and warm cassis, plus savory hints of charcuterie, woodsmoke, black truffles and bouquet garni. Medium-bodied, the palate is packed with crunchy black fruit flavors and dried herbs accents, supported by bags of freshness and well-managed, grainy tannins, finishing with great length and a lively skip in its step. Drink: 2024 - 2039

Maintains both a spiced kick and creamy texture through the palate, giving form and character. Silky texture, with cinnamon and saffron-laden blackberry fruits. This is precise and confident with sweet and tender tannins, the power is almost hidden at this point but it is there. 38% of overall production. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend.

Drinking Window 2024 - 2038

58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Structured and fresh with present but unaggressive tannins. Fruit bright and lifted. Upright and classic in its demeanour and clearly with ageing potential. (JL) 13.3%
Drink 2027 – 2040

(58% CS, 34% M, 4% CF, 4% PV; 13.28% ABV; 30% new)
Fresh, sweetly ripe Cabernet to smell, and mineral, too, “serious” immediately, just to smell! Rich medium-weight, fresh, with superfine tannins, a lovely balance; supple, fleshy, graceful, detailed wine, with remarkable complexity for Pagodes, and lovely length to finish. This is so complete and harmonious, you would never have identified it as a second wine 20 years ago ... even ten. Glorious “second” claret. 2025–35+.