Cos Labory 2009, New Tasting August 2024

It is a deep, ruby colour with a light pink rim. On the nose, fresh blackcurrants, prunes, cigar box, herbs, leather plumps, violets and dark chocolate. On the palate, cherries and plum fruit are fixed to a dry and toasty finish. 2011 Cos Labory is not a full-bodied St-Estèphes, possibly due to the relatively high proportion of Cabernet Franc, like 30% in the blend(the other two-thirds are Cabernet and Merlot, as well as a dash of Petit Verdot). It is more structured than 2012. This tasting still applies today.

The wine was fermented in enamel-lined concrete tanks and aged in small barriques (30-50% new) for 18 months, hence its freshness, power, and intensity.

The central part of the 18-hectare vineyard is a long, thin strip located just to the west of Cos d'Estournel, with the rest being near Lafon Rochet. However, in the last ten years, we have seen a move towards a more substantial style, and the wines are now some of the best (and most sensibly priced) in St-Estèphe.

Cos Labory is one of the smallest of the Cru Classé châteaux in Bordeaux. This 5ème Cru Classé St-Estèphe property has been in the hands of the same Audoy family since the beginning of the last century.

Scores are consistent and impressive: GG95, WS93, Falstaff93, Decanter93.