Chateau Cos Labory 2015

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Château Cos Labory 2015

Tasting Notes

Appearance
This wine reveals a classic red hue typical of Médoc wines.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet is intense, dominated by luscious notes of very ripe red fruit, particularly cherry. This fruity ensemble blends harmoniously with spicy, toasted, smoky and vanilla notes derived from oak aging.

Palate
The attack reveals a tender, fluid texture. The palate is structured by firm yet well-integrated tannins, offering lovely freshness without excessive acidity. A slight chewiness comes through before leading to a long, persistent and virile finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

This red wine pairs perfectly with flavourful meats such as grilled flank steak, pulled pork, or roasted or braised leg of lamb. It also pairs very well with slow-cooked meat dishes in sauce.

Serving and Cellaring

Already very approachable in its youth, this 2015 vintage possesses a solid structure that gives it excellent aging potential. It can be enjoyed now or cellared to develop favourably over many years to come.

The Balance and Power of a Saint-Estèphe Red Wine

The Estate

Located in Saint-Estèphe, in the Bordeaux region of France, this estate traces its origins back to the late 18th century under the initiative of Pierre Gaston. Its definitive name emerged from the historic union with the Labory family. Classified as a fifth growth in 1855, Château Cos Labory has had several illustrious owners before being managed by the Audoy family for more than sixty years. Since 2023, Michel Reybier has been at the helm of the estate. He is breathing new life into this gravel terroir, renowned for producing wines that combine Médoc robustness with a fine pursuit of elegance.

The Vineyard

The vineyard spans approximately thirty-five hectares at the heart of the Saint-Estèphe appellation. The vines, averaging thirty-eight years of age, are planted on a plateau of deep gravel resting on a clay-limestone subsoil, at the top of the Cos hill. This terroir benefits from the regulating influence of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Vine management relies on high planting density and the use of slow-growing rootstocks, encouraging deep rooting and natural yield control.

The Vintage

The year 2015 was marked by particularly favourable weather conditions in the Médoc. A hot, dry summer was followed by an ideal start to autumn, allowing the berries to reach optimal ripeness. Cool nights preserved the balance of the grapes, while the clay soils helped prevent excessive water stress during summer heat peaks.

Winemaking and Aging

This vintage was crafted in modernised facilities, allowing for rigorous control of temperatures and macerations. The aim is to extract the fruit's substance with precision, without excess, in order to preserve its purity. The wine then benefits from careful aging in oak barrels, providing additional structure and delicately integrated woody nuances.

Grape Varieties

Although the exact blend for this vintage is not specified, it reflects the estate's overall grape composition, mainly consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Merlot (33%), complemented by Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (4%).