CHÂTEAU COS LABORY 2018
WINE TASTING NOTES
ABOUT THE WINE
Appellation | Saint Émilion Grand Cru
Classification | Fifth Growth, 5ème Grand Cru Classé
Grape | 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Ageing | Aged in oak barrels, 50% in new casks
Tasting Notes | "Baked blackcurrants, blackberry preserves and boysenberries with touches of sautéed herbs, smoked meats and tar. Medium to full-bodied, it has a firm, fine-grained frame and background freshness supporting the elegant black fruit and savory layers, finishing on a lingering mineral note" Robert Parker
Pairing | Fillet steak with mushrooms, Duck breast with green pepper, Leg of lamb with green beans and rich grave sauce
Drinking | Best 2024-2042
Critics/Awards | 92/100 Wine Enthusiast
ABOUT THE CHÂTEAU
The name of the estate comes from its geographical location on the Cos hill and the name of François Labory, who was the first owner until 1845. Mr. d'Estournel then acquired it before selling it again to an English banker, Charles Martyns in 1852. The property was finally taken over by George Weber in the 1930's, who bequeathed it to his daughter and son-in-law, François Audoy in 1959.
This eighteen-hectare (44.5-acre) vineyard on top of the Cos hill is blessed with Quaternary gravel soils and exceptional drainage. To extract the best, we strive vintage after vintage to perfect the fit between the plots and the grape varieties. We also choose slow growing rootstocks and keep the planting densities high.
Over time, the changes came gradually through substantial investment into technology, particularly an ultra-modern vathouse and a new cellar. Having decided to vinify the wines at low temperatures to preserve and extract the fruit, we aim to offer wines that age well but are also enjoyable when still young.
In 1971, the couple acquired the neighbouring estate, Château Andron Blanquet. Their sons worked with them on the two estates for a few years and then the elder Bernard took over the running of the properties. Bernard is a strong, practical manager with a quiet reassuring manner. He has always lived in Saint-Estèphe and is perfectly emblematic of his estate, his wines and the appellation that he has presided over since 2000.
Soils: Limestone clay soils
Farming: Harvest by hand. In 2019 to the AREA certification "Environmentally Friendly Agriculture in Nouvelle-Aquitaine", it is an environmental certification of level 2 High Environmental Value.
Vines: On average 40 years of age