In the glass
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.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass. The bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- 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 iconic pagoda-adorned chai. The wine is made from 40-year-old vines not selected for the grand vin.
- 1994 — Rebranded from Marbuzet to Les Pagodes de Cos with this vintage
Facts
- Producer
- Chateau Cos d'Estournel
- 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
Scores
- Wine Advocate 94 (2022 vintage, reviewed 2025)
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.