The 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos is a Bordeaux blend from the St Estèphe sub-region in Bordeaux, France. This wine, produced by Les Pagodes de Cos, showcases a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It is a red wine sealed with a cork, noted for its appealing balance and nuanced complexity.

James Suckling awarded it an impressive 94 points, highlighting its “polished and creamy texture,” with “blueberry, blackcurrant, and crushed-stone aromas and flavors.” He praised its “linear tannins,” noting the wine’s polish and finesse, along with a creamy mouth-feel (jamessuckling.com).

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, through William Kelley, also gave the wine a commendable 93 points. Kelley described it as having “aromas of cassis, orange zest, vine smoke, and incense,” and appreciated its “medium to full-bodied, fleshy and polished palate.” He noted the wine's “deep core of fruit, supple tannins, and a lively, mouthwatering finish” (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate).

Antonio Galloni from Vinous rated the wine 94 points, noting its “intense dark fruit, leather, spice, menthol, game, licorice, dried herbs, and chocolate” which “infuses the palate with remarkable textural intensity.” He described it as “ample and resonant in the glass with fabulous balance” and praised its “long, sustained finish” (Vinous).

Jane Anson scored it 93 points, highlighting its “vivid ruby colour, reserved aromatics, well-balanced, chalky slightly austere tannins,” and noted it as “less exuberant than the 2022 vintage” but still delivering “seductive and highly spiced black cherry and cassis fruits” (janeanson.com).

Jeff Leve, scoring it 94 points, described its “licorice, flowers, cherries, and a hint of chocolate” aroma, with a “medium-bodied, elegant” palate focused on “freshness over volume.” He predicted it will be “delicious if tasted early” and will age well, with “fresh, red, and dark red fruits, a touch of spice, and just a hint of cocoa” in the finish (TheWineCellarInsider.com).

Jeb Dunnuck also rated it 94 points, noting its “ripe red and black fruits, some graphite, toasted spice, and savory tobacco notes,” with “medium to full body, and ripe tannins.” He mentioned its “savory, firmer edge” and suggested it will need some time to develop (jebdunnuck.com).

The Wine Independent’s Lisa Perrotti-Brown rated it 92 points, describing the wine’s “bold notes of crushed black and red currants, fresh black cherries, and bay leaves,” with “compelling tension and bright, crunchy red berry flavors” supported by “grainy tannins and finishing on a lingering chalky note” (The Wine Independent).

Decanter gave it 92 points as well, noting its “strongly aromatic” profile, with “vivid pink/purple” color, and “great energy.” They described the wine as “bright and buzzy, with grippy, expansive, and fresh” qualities, suggesting it has “power on show” and potential to develop beautifully over time (Decanter).

Overall, the 2023 Les Pagodes de Cos is well-regarded for its balance, complexity, and potential for aging, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.