Château Cos Labory

History of Château Cos Labory

The history of Château Cos Labory begins in the early 19th century, when François-Armand Labory took possession of it following his marriage to Marie Sanny Gaston. The estate was then called Cos Gaston before being renamed Cos Labory in honor of François Labory, its owner until 1845. 

In 1847, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, a man renowned for his winemaking skills, acquired the property. A few years later, in 1852, he sold it to an English banker, Charles Cecil Martyns. During this period, Cos Labory received the ultimate recognition when it was classified as a Fifth Growth in the famous 1855 classification, which honored Bordeaux’s greatest wines.

The château then changed hands several times before Georges Weber acquired it in the 1930s and passed it down through his family. His son-in-law, François Audoy, took the reins of the estate in 1959, followed by his son Bernard Audoy, who managed it until its acquisition in 2023 by Michel Reybier, already the owner of the renowned Château Cos d'Estournel. This new chapter in the history of Château Cos Labory reflects Michel Reybier’s determination to preserve the independence and excellence of this historic estate.

Terroir and Vines of Château Cos Labory

Château Cos Labory benefits from an exceptional terroir on the famous Cos hill, a prime location that gives the estate its name. The soils consist mainly of deep gravel, clay and a limestone base, providing excellent drainage. The proximity of the Gironde estuary and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean create a temperate climate that helps moderate weather extremes and ensure optimal grape ripeness.

The Château Cos Labory vineyard covers 35 hectares on the Left Bank, 18 of which are devoted to producing the fine wine. The vineyard is divided into several blocks, with the most prestigious at the top of the Cos hill plateau. The vines average 38 years of age, a distinct advantage in producing complex, richly aromatic wines. 

The grape varieties are carefully distributed to make the most of the terroir: 50% of the vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, the region’s leading variety, which gives the wines structure and longevity. One-third of the vineyard is devoted to Merlot, which contributes roundness and finesse. Finally, plots of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend of varieties, adding aromatic nuances and depth to the estate’s wines.

Winemaking at Château Cos Labory

Winemaking at Château Cos Labory is a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and modern methods. The aim is to preserve the terroir’s unique character while fully expressing the potential of the grape varieties. The estate uses low-temperature winemaking techniques to maximize the extraction of aromas and body while retaining the grapes’ freshness. 

Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing precise control of temperatures and extraction. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for approximately 12 to 18 months, with around 40% of the barrels replaced each year. Unusually for the region, the estate uses both French and American oak barrels, giving its wines a distinctive character with subtle, well-integrated oak notes.

The winemaking process also stands out for its thoughtful approach in the vineyard. Although the estate uses machinery for some tasks, harvesting is partly done by hand, allowing the best bunches to be selected for the fine wine. Thanks to this meticulous care and decades of experience, Château Cos Labory produces powerful, elegant wines built to age.

The Cuvées of Château Cos Labory

Château Cos Labory offers several cuvées, each reflecting the unique character of the Saint-Estèphe terroir and the passion of the winemakers who create them.

Château Cos Labory

The estate’s fine wine, Château Cos Labory, has exceptional aging potential. Made from the vineyard’s oldest plots, it combines tannic power, aromatic complexity and elegance. It is composed primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it structure, and Merlot, which lends it appealing roundness on the palate. Ideally, it is cellared for 5 to 10 years to reveal its full potential, though it can also be enjoyed young for its aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy notes.

Charme de Cos Labory 

The estate’s second wine, Charme de Cos Labory, is made from its younger vines and receives careful winemaking attention, resulting in a more approachable wine to enjoy sooner. Supple and fruit-forward, Charme de Cos Labory offers a more immediate experience while reflecting the excellence of the Saint-Estèphe terroir.

Château Andron Blanquet

Located near Cos Labory, Château Andron Blanquet is also part of the Reybier family’s portfolio. This wine is distinguished by its classic style and aging potential. Made with the same care as Château Cos Labory, it appeals with its finesse and freshness.

Cos Labory’s Saint-Estèphe

This more recent cuvée rounds out the estate’s range. Made to be enjoyed young, it highlights the characteristic aromas of Saint-Estèphe, with appealing freshness and a balanced structure.

The wines of Saint-Estèphe, a prestigious appellation in the Bordeaux wine region, are distinguished by their elegance and longevity. Among the finest vintages are 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1990, which impressed wine lovers with their power and complexity. The following decades were no less remarkable, with exceptional vintages such as 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, and, more recently, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. These years confirmed Saint-Estèphe’s ability to produce wines combining finesse and depth, emblematic of Bordeaux’s terroir.

The Fifth Growth Grand Cru Classé estates offer an appealing diversity of properties in the Médoc, showcasing Bordeaux’s winemaking expertise. In Pauillac, renowned estates include Château d’Armailhac, Château Batailley, Château Clerc Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Château Haut-Batailley, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Lynch-Moussas, Château Pedesclaux, and Château Pontet-Canet. In the Haut-Médoc, Château Camensac and Château Cantemerle stand out for their individual character. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre bring a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory of Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of Bordeaux’s terroir.

Château Cos Labory is an estate that perfectly embodies the spirit of Saint-Estèphe: a unique terroir, a rich history and wines of outstanding quality. Its acquisition by the Reybier family marks the beginning of a new era of development, while the commitment to excellence remains unchanged. Whether you love fine Bordeaux wines or want to discover the subtleties of Saint-Estèphe, the cuvées of Château Cos Labory are sure to meet your expectations. Powerful, elegant and built to age, these wines promise pleasure for decades to come.