2018 Les Pagodes de Cos Blanc
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Tasting notes
The first time the estate has produced a second label for their white, the 2018 Pagodes De Cos Blanc checks in as 93% Sauvignon and 7% Sémillon, and I suspect it was brought up in a mix of tank and barrel (although I'm not sure). It has a solid bouquet of crushed citrus, earthy minerality, honeyed grapefruit, and a touch of flowers. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and mouthfilling, it's a terrific white in its own right, yet it lacks the precision and vibrancy of the top wine. This beauty is ideal for enjoying any time over the coming 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pagodes de Cos Blanc is a blend of 93% Sauvignon Blanc and 7% Sémillon, aged in 3% new barriques and weighing in at just over 13.5% alcohol. It requires a little swirling to unlock vibrant scents of green apples, fresh, crunchy pears and lemongrass, plus suggestions of chalk dust and white pepper. The elegant, medium-bodied palate has a super racy backbone and plenty of bright, citrusy fruit, finishing with refreshing steeliness.
Lovely, creamy texture to this lively white with sliced-apple and lemon character. Some green papaya, too. Medium-to full-bodied. Fresh finish.
The 2018 Les Pagodes de Cos Blanc is a new wine in this range built around a core of Sauvignon Blanc with a touch (7%) of Sémillon. Rich and layered, with striking freshness, the Pagodes Blanc has a lot to offer. Aging in oak, with batonnage, give the citrus and floral notes an extra kick of texture, while preserving a good bit of freshness as well. The decision to use more Sémillon in the Cos d'Estournel Blanc resulted in excess Sauvignon Blanc that was then used to created Pagodes Blanc. Stylistically, Pagodes Blanc is quite close to previous editions of Cos d'Estournel Blanc.
About the producer
Louis Gaspard d’Estournel inherited Cos and Pomys in 1791, founding Cos d’Estournel in 1811, investing significantly in the property and expanding the estate from 14 to 45 hectares. The estate rapidly rose to prominence and the wines were exported around the world.