Personalise your experience
Change your country, language and currency here whenever you wish.
|
|
|
Must-See Châteaux |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Family Estate in Saint-Estèphe - Fifth Grand Cru Classé
Château Cos Labory, an iconic wine estate in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, is classified as a Fifth Grand Cru in the famous 1855 classification. Nestled on the Cos hill, close to the Gironde estuary, it benefits from an exceptional terroir that produces wines combining power, elegance and longevity. Property of the Reybier family since 2023, this château has preserved its traditions while integrating modern techniques to offer wines of incomparable quality.
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 known as Cos Gaston, before being renamed Cos Labory in homage to François Labory, its owner until 1845.
In 1847, Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, a man renowned for his talents as a winemaker, acquired the property. But a few years later, in 1852, he sold it to an English banker, Charles Cecil Martyns. During this period, Cos Labory achieved the ultimate recognition with its classification as a Cinquième Grand Cru Classé in the celebrated 1855 classification, which consecrated the greatest wines of Bordeaux.
The château then passed through several hands before being acquired in the 1930s by Georges Weber, who ensured its family transmission. His son-in-law, François Audoy, took the reins of the estate in 1959, followed by his son Bernard Audoy, who managed the estate 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 was opened with Michel Reybier's determination to perpetuate the independence and excellence of this historic estate.
Château Cos Labory benefits from an exceptional terroir located on the famous Cos hill, a privileged geographical location that gives the estate its name. The soils are mainly composed of deep gravels, clays and a limestone bedrock, ensuring excellent drainage capacity. The proximity of the Gironde estuary and the influence of the Atlantic Ocean provide a temperate climate, ideal for moderating climatic extremes and ensuring optimal ripening of the grapes.
The vineyard of Château Cos Labory covers 35 hectares of the left bank, of which 18 hectares are dedicated to the production of the Fine Wine. This vineyard is divided into several plots, the most prestigious of which are located at the top of the plateau on the Cos hill. The average age of the vines is 38 years, an undeniable asset for the production of complex, aromatically rich wines.
The grape varieties are carefully distributed to make the best use of the terroir: 50% of the vineyard is planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, the king grape of the region, which brings structure and longevity to the wines. A third of the vineyard is dedicated to Merlot, which contributes roundness and finesse. Finally, plots of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot complete the blend, bringing aromatic nuances and depth to the estate's wines.
Winemaking at Château Cos Labory is a harmonious blend of traditional techniques and modern methods. The objective is to preserve the unique character of the terroir while fully expressing the potential of the grape varieties. The estate uses low-temperature winemaking techniques in order to maximise the extraction of aromas and substance while preserving the freshness of the grapes.
Fermentations take place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel vats, ensuring maximum precision in the control of temperatures and extractions. The wines are subsequently aged in oak barrels for a period of approximately 12 to 18 months, with an annual renewal of approximately 40% of the barrels. Unusually for the region, the estate uses both French and American oak barrels, which gives the wines a unique signature, with subtle and well-integrated woody notes.
The winemaking process is also distinguished by a reasoned approach in the vineyard. Although the estate uses machines for certain stages, the harvest is carried out partly by hand, making it possible to select the finest bunches for the Fine Wine. Thanks to this meticulous care and the experience accumulated over the decades, Château Cos Labory produces powerful, elegant wines built for long cellaring.
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, is an exceptional wine for cellaring. Produced from the oldest plots in the vineyard, this wine combines tannic power, aromatic complexity and elegance. It is primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, which gives it its structure, and Merlot, which brings a beautiful roundness on the palate. This wine is ideally kept for 5 to 10 years to reveal its full potential, but can also be enjoyed in its youth for its aromas of ripe red fruits and spiced notes.
Charme de Cos Labory
The estate's second wine, Charme de Cos Labory, is crafted from the estate's young vines and benefits from careful winemaking that makes it a more accessible wine, to be enjoyed earlier. With its supple and fruity character, Charme de Cos Labory offers a more immediate experience, while still 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 cru stands out for its classic style and its ageing potential. Crafted with the same care as Château Cos Labory, it captivates with its finesse and freshness.
The Saint-Estèphe of Cos Labory
This more recent cuvée completes the estate's offering. Designed to be approachable in its youth, it showcases the characteristic aromas of Saint-Estèphe, with a fine vibrancy and a well-balanced structure.
The wines of Saint-Estèphe, a prestigious appellation of the Bordeaux vineyard, stand out for their elegance and longevity. Among the finest vintages, one finds the years 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989, and 1990, which left a lasting impression on enthusiasts with their power and complexity. The following decades were equally 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 have confirmed Saint-Estèphe's ability to produce wines combining finesse and depth, emblematic of the Bordeaux terroir.
The Cinquièmes Grands Crus Classés offer a fine diversity of estates in the Médoc, bearing witness to the winemaking expertise of Bordeaux. In Pauillac, one finds renowned estates such as 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 own distinctive characteristics. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre bring a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory from Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of the Bordeaux 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. With the acquisition by the Reybier family, a new era of development begins, yet always with the same objective of excellence. Whether you are a lover of great Bordeaux wines or wish to discover the subtleties of Saint-Estèphe, the cuvées of Château Cos Labory will meet your every expectation. Powerful, elegant and built for cellaring, these wines are a promise of pleasure for the decades to come.
COLLECTION NEAR PARIS & VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS
Free collection in our warehouse near central Paris (92)