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.

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.

One of the best second wines in this vintage, the wine is already showing well. The deep, red fruits are ripe, pure, soft and fresh. There is an elegance to the supple wine that is ready to shine, and will get even better over the next 5-7 years. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Les%20Pagodes%20de%20Cos

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.

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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2016 Pagodes de Cos is deep garnet in color. It gallops out with vibrant notes of crushed blackcurrants, warm blackberries, and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of tilled soil, tapenade, and iron ore. Light to medium-bodied, the palate is wonderfully elegant, with delicately played, silky tannins and fantastic tension framing the perfumed fruit, finishing on a mineral note.

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. -- Neal Martin