Structure

Bodyfull
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaknew oak

Drinking window

Latest scored vintage 2022: best 2027 to 2042.
vintage5 yrs20 yrs22 yrs

Critic scores

CriticVintageScore
Wine Advocate reviewed 2025202294/100

Scores as published by each critic for the vintage shown.

In the glass

Full-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryMedium-Long With Dark Fruit And Minerality finish

Aroma: dark berries, cassis, subtle spice, light incense, cedar

Palate: dark plum, blackcurrant, smooth tannins, mineral finish, fresh acidity

Second wine of Cos d'Estournel since 1994; previously sold as Marbuzet. Shows a more Merlot-forward profile than the grand vin, with the estate's distinctive spice character in a more accessible format.

What it pairs with

  • Lamb tagine with apricots and preserved lemon
    The wine's soft spice tones and dark fruit echo North African aromatics; lamb is the natural partner.
  • Duck breast with plum sauce
    Plum notes in the wine mirror the sauce; duck fat is balanced by firm structure.
  • Mushroom tart with thyme
    Earthy mushroom and herbs connect with the wine's mineral and cedar register.

How to serve Les Pagodes de Cos

Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Lamb tagine with apricots and preserved lemon, Duck breast with plum sauce, Mushroom tart with thyme. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

The second wine of Cos d'Estournel was originally sold as Marbuzet. With the 1994 vintage it was rebranded as Les Pagodes de Cos, named after the estate's signature pagoda-adorned chai. The wine is made from 40-year-old vines not selected for the grand vin.

  1. 1994: Rebranded from Marbuzet to Les Pagodes de Cos with this vintage

Facts

Producer
Chateau Cos d'Estournel · visiting guide
Grapes
Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (2%)
Classification
Saint-Estephe AOC
Oak
40% new French oak barriques
ABV
13.5%
Price
$40-70 at retail
Drinking window
5-20 from vintage
First vintage
1994
Organic
ECOCERT

Frequently asked about Les Pagodes de Cos

What does Les Pagodes de Cos taste like?

On the nose, dark berries, cassis, subtle spice, light incense, cedar. On the palate, dark plum, blackcurrant, smooth tannins, mineral finish, fresh acidity. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a medium-long with dark fruit and minerality finish. Second wine of Cos d'Estournel since 1994; previously sold as Marbuzet. Shows a more Merlot-forward profile than the grand vin, with the estate's distinctive spice character in a more accessible format.

When should I drink Les Pagodes de Cos?

Drink 5-20 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Les Pagodes de Cos?

Lamb tagine with apricots and preserved lemon is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Duck breast with plum sauce and Mushroom tart with thyme. The wine's soft spice tones and dark fruit echo North African aromatics; lamb is the natural partner.

What grapes are in Les Pagodes de Cos?

The blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (51%), Merlot (45%), Cabernet Franc (2%), Petit Verdot (2%). The wine is classified as Saint-Estephe AOC.

Tags

cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon cellar worthy dry firm tannin full body high acid merlot mood easygoing mood savoury occasion dinner party occasion weeknight old world organic pairs with mushroom pairs with poultry pairs with red meat petit verdot price premium still red

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