An Extraordinary Vintage

“Grandiose,” “immense,” “exceptionally balanced”: to describe the 2018 vintage of Cos d’Estournel, only superlatives will do.
The 2018 growing season was characterized by a series of wonderfully contrasted meteorological events during which the magnificent terroir of Cos d’Estournel again and again demonstrated its incredible ability to adapt. The 2018 vintage is the result of two distinct yet highly complementary periods: a cold, wet winter was followed by the warm, dry summer we had been hoping for. Unexpectedly enough, despite a delayed growing cycle through June, harvest took place on the early side.
The dedication and experience of our men and women proved crucial and decisive at every stage of the winegrowing and winemaking process, resulting in a vintage of a rare quality. Their intimate understanding of the vineyard led them to limit leaf thinning during very damp weather, a decision that proved wise given the elevated temperatures that were to follow, as did that to plough more intensely and frequently than usual to allow the soil to collect water and limit evaporation.

2018 also marks the creation of Pagodes de Cos Blanc, fourteen years after the first vintage of Cos d’Estournel Blanc. Grown on the same complex terroir as its predecessor, Pagodes de Cos Blanc is likewise the result of carefully honed expertise in growing and crafting extraordinary white wines. Made from equally outstanding Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes, the first vintage of Pagodes de Cos Blanc is quite delicate and refined with a delectable, accessible style.

Outstanding and truly memorable, the 2018 vintage is sure to prove legendary.

Finely structured and vibrant, Cos d’Estournel 2018 is both powerful and balanced, with very soft tannins. It offers a multitude of nuances, including remarkably elegant spices and an extremely long and lingering finish.
It is an extraordinary vintage with immense cellaring potential that will surely count among the most legendary vintages of the estate.

97-100/100 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
97-100/100 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)
98-99/100 – James Suckling

Pagodes de Cos 2018 combines a nose of eucalyptus and spices with magnificent aromas of juicy red and black berries and wonderful fullness. Silky tannins find lovely balance against the vintage’s great freshness.
Pagodes de Cos continues to enchant us from one year to the next with its outstanding qualities and the discreetly seductive, refined 2018 vintage is no exception.

93-95/100 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
94-95/100 – James Suckling
91-94/100 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

A sublime vintage with notes of floral blossoms, exotic fruit and fresh almond, Cos d’Estournel Blanc 2018 also has a lovely mineral quality. This year the estate’s Sémillon has surpassed itself, and proves a wonderful counterpart to an equally magnificent Sauvignon Blanc, resulting in a wine with exceptional complexity.
2018 marks a new era for Cos d’Estournel Blanc: the balance, freshness and cellaring potential have been taken to the extreme, resulting in a supremely sophisticated, finely crafted wine.

97-98/100 – James Suckling
92-94/100 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
91-94/100 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

Pagodes de Cos Blanc 2018 is the result of fourteen years of experience producing white wines and the estate’s outstanding vines, the oldest of which are thirty-four years old. They have fully reached their potential and deliver an exceptional white wine.
Very floral with notes of citrus fruit, the first vintage of Pagodes de Cos Blanc is a delicate, refined wine that is at once delectable and quite accessible.

92-93/100 – James Suckling
90-92/100 – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate)
90-92/100 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)