Château COS LABORY 2011
Château Cos Labory is one of the most emblematic classified growths of Saint Estèphe, nestled on the famous Cos ridge overlooking the Gironde. Owned by the Audoy family for over fifty years, the estate is recognized for its precise and consistent approach, combining Bordeaux tradition with a quest for an authentic expression of the terroir. The deep gravel mixed with clay gives the wines a naturally firm structure and remarkable aging potential, typical of the appellation. However, Cos Labory stands out by an additional touch of finesse, thanks to meticulous vineyard work and vinifications aimed at balance rather than raw power. The 2011 vintage is part of a contrasting but favorable year for late terroirs like Saint Estèphe, where the ripeness of the cabernets could express itself with precision and freshness. The result is a classic, elegant wine perfectly representative of the château's style.
Château Cos Labory 2011 is made from a blend dominated by cabernet sauvignon, complemented by merlot and cabernet franc, from vines planted on deep gravel soils. The harvest took place under climatic conditions that allowed for just the right maturity, preserving aromatic freshness while offering good concentration. Fermentations are carried out parcel by parcel to respect the different expressions of the terroir, followed by aging in French oak barrels, some of which are new. This aging brings structure, woody elegance, and complexity without ever overpowering the fruit. After more than a decade in bottle, the wine now enters a phase of full maturity, where the tannins integrate and the classic Saint Estèphe architecture reveals itself with depth. Cos Labory 2011 thus embodies an accessible, harmonious vintage ideal for those seeking a Bordeaux at maturity.
On tasting, Château Cos Labory 2011 offers a deep garnet robe with elegant tile reflections. The nose opens with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, then evolves towards blond tobacco, cedar, sweet spices, and a hint of undergrowth that marks the noble evolution of the vintage. On the palate, the attack is supple, precise, with a structured mid-palate where the cabernet tannins appear fine and perfectly integrated. The flavors combine black fruits, licorice, graphite, and slightly smoky notes that bring complexity and length. The finish is long, fresh, mineral, with a beautiful persistence of black fruits and spices. At the table, this 2011 will ideally accompany a grilled rib of beef, a herb-roasted rack of lamb, duck breast, gratin dauphinois, or matured cheeses such as comté or farmstead saint nectaire.
Grape varieties: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc.
