Chateau Cos Labory 2023

JAMES SUCKLING: "Lead pencil and graphite to the blackcurrant and blackberry character. Hint of cedar, too. Medium- to full-bodied with chewy tannins and impressive precision. Juicy and spicy. New Cos Labory after the purchase by Cos d’Estournel. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot."

JEB DUNNUCK: "The first vintage under the ownership of the Cos D’Estournel team, the 2023 Château Cos Labory is based on 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, raised in 30% new French oak, which is reduced from past vintages. It's another incredibly successful 2023 that has red and black plums, graphite, spring flowers, and spicy aromatics as well as medium to full-bodied richness. Balanced and concentrated, with integrated, ripe tannins, this absolutely charming 2023 will benefit from just a few years of bottle age."

FALSTAFF: "Dunkles Rubingranat, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart rotbeerig unterlegte Kräuterwürze, frische Herzkirschen, Nuancen von Feigen, Orangenzesten klingen an. Mittlerer Körper, rote Kirschen, reife Tannine, frisch strukturiert, ein balancierter Speisenwein."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "The debut vintage produced by the team from Cos d'Estournel. The wine pops with dark red fruits, flowers, and cocoa in the nose. On the palate, the wine is vibrant, chalky, crisp, and chewy, with black raspberries, and chocolate in the finish. The wine blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. Drink from 2027-2040."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "Aromas of dark berries, pencil shavings and spices introduce the 2023 Cos Labory, a medium to full-bodied, layered and velvety wine that's fleshy and enveloping, with a deep core of fruit underpinned by plenty of sweet, powdery tannin. Now overseen by the team at Cos d'Estournel, this is a strong effort for this estate."

WEINWISSER: "55 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 33 % Merlot, 8 % Cabernet Franc, 4 % Petit Verdot. Verhaltener Beginn, zarte blaubeerige Konturen, ein Hauch Iris und helles Graphit. Am kompakten Gaumen mit weicher Textur, edler Salznote, stützender Rasse, Struktur gepaart mit guter Finesse und mittlerem Körper. Im gebündelten Finale verschlankt sich der St. Estèphe und endet mit feinmürber Adstringenz. Das erste (komplette) Jahr von Dominique Arangotis (Cos d’Estournel)."

VINUM: "Dunkelfruchtig geprägt, mit Brombeeren und Kräutern; am Gaumen dicht, feinkörniges Tannin, zupackend, würzig, mit guter Länge. Ein knackiger Cos Labory, der reifen darf."

LISA PERROTTI-BROWN: "Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2023 Cos Labory strolls confidently out of the glass with classic notes of cassis, redcurrants, and cedar followed by wafts of pencil shavings and dried herbs. The light to medium-bodied palate is invigorating and crunchy, the red berry flavors supported by grippy tannins and crisp acidity, finishing on a lively herbal note. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 4% Cabernet Franc."

DECANTER: "Smells floral and perfumed. Juicy and supple, this has a nice balance between really lively, bright red fruits and tannins that are fleshy and filling. It’s bouncy and inviting, really easy to enjoy, lots of structure on show, not so serious. Ends a little salty with powdery graphite. Doesn't scream old school St-Estephe. A little more open and approachable. Ripe, chewy, almost sweet and sour with the ripe red fruit and cool blue fruit.. A nice change of style for this wine. Cos d'Estournel purchased this neighbouring property in March 2023 with north and west vineyards compared to d'Estournel's south and east facing vines. First time the team have used a vertical press and included press wine in the blend at 12%. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend."