Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 35% and Cabernet Franc 5%
Château Cos Labory is a left-bank Bordeaux estate in Saint-Estèphe producing Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blends. It was designated a 5th Growth estate in the 1855 Classification of the Médoc. The Cos Labory property was producing wine at least as far back as the 18th Century, when it was known as Château Gaston after the proprietors at the time. The name eventually became Labory through marriage before it was bought by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, owner of the neighboring property Cos d’Estournel. In the middle of the 19th Century, both properties changed hands again, during which time several top vineyard parcels in Cos Labory were redrawn to be part of the Cos d’Estournel estate.
The 2018 Cos Labory has a deep garnet-purple color, bursting from the glass with bold notes of warm cassis, blackberry compote and Morello cherries, plus suggestions of roses, unsmoked cigars and tree bark. The medium-bodied palate has a very sturdy frame of firm, grainy tannins and tons of freshness supporting the rather delicately played fruit, finishing long and earthy/minerally. The structure stands out a little now, which I enjoy, but for those preferring softer, rounder expressions, give this a good 3-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the next 15-20 years.
ROBERT PARKER – 94POINTS
