The 2016 Les Pagodes de Cos, a Bordeaux Blend from the esteemed St Estephe sub-region of Bordeaux, France, is a notable example of the quality that second wines from top estates can achieve. Produced by Les Pagodes de Cos, this wine is composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46.5% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, and 0.5% Cabernet Franc. It has garnered substantial acclaim from various wine reviewers, achieving an array of high scores and positive feedback.

James Suckling awarded it a 94, noting its "very deep and intense fruit character" and described it as "full-bodied, layered and powerful." He recommended trying it from 2025, indicating its potential for development and aging. Wine Enthusiast also gave it a favorable score of 93, highlighting its density, dark fruit flavors, and generous tannins. They commented on its weight and concentration, as well as its freshness, which is typical of the 2016 vintage.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate rated it 92, describing the wine as having a "deep garnet-purple color" with aromas of "warm cassis, black cherries and smoked meats." She mentioned its medium to full-bodied palate filled with black and red fruits, supported by ripe, grainy tannins and a long, spicy finish. Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com echoed this sentiment, calling it "one of the best second wines in this vintage" with "ripe, pure, soft and fresh" red fruits. He suggested it would improve over the next 5-7 years.

Decanter, which also scored the wine 93, praised its balance and opulent texture, mentioning its "spice, chocolate, and cassis bud and liquorice" flavors. Vinous provided two separate reviews, both highlighting its harmonious nature and well-integrated oak, with scores of 91 and 92. Neal Martin of Vinous specifically noted its "vibrant, expressive red berry fruit" and "caressing and beautifully poised finish."

Jeb Dunnuck, giving it a 93, remarked on its "grand vin character" and recommended it as a case purchase. Wine Spectator awarded it 91, appreciating its "good energy" and "subtle chalk and iron streaks" that add texture and cut to the finish. The Wine Independent, with a score of 92, described it as "elegant, with delicately played, silky tannins and fantastic tension framing the perfumed fruit."

Overall, the 2016 Les Pagodes de Cos is a well-regarded wine that showcases the potential of second wines from top Bordeaux estates. Its balanced structure, depth of flavor, and aging potential make it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.