Les Pagodes de Cos Saint-Estephe 2019

92-94/100 - The 2019 Les Pagodes de Cos (14.03% alcohol) is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot and 5% Cabernet Franc, aging in 20% new barriques. Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, notions of wild blueberries, boysenberries and redcurrant jelly come bounding out of the glass, followed by a profound core of warm cassis, licorice and bouquet garni with a touch of cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate bursts with bright, expressive black and red fruit flavors, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and loads of freshness, finishing on a lingering spicy note. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate

91-93/100 - The 2019 Les Pagodes de Cos is a powerful, tightly wound wine, its mid-weight structure notwithstanding. Grilled herbs, menthol, licorice, dried herbs and rose petal lend aromatic brightness. In this tasting, the 2019 comes across as a bit compact and nervous, which may be attributable to its recent racking . Even so, there is plenty of character. It will be interesting to see what time brings. - Antonio Galloni, Vinous 

17+/20 - Poised, fresh and balanced with nothing in excess. Plenty of lift on the nose with berry fruit, mineral and liquorice notes. Long and linear but with adequate flesh. Fine, persistent tannins. Juicy and harmonious. Ticks all the boxes. - James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com

93/100 - Floral and perfumed fruit straight away on the nose, smells so inviting with black cherries and plum notes. The texture is sweet, juicy and succulent but with lashings of dark, almost bitter chocolate that marry the plush black fruits so well. On the darker side, with a pleasant, cooling menthol freshness. Good impact and character. - Georgina Hindle, Decanter

94/100 - This is very spicy and linear with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. It’s medium-bodied with freshness and lovely length. Very classic in style. Closed at the end. Drink after 2025. - James Suckling