2022 Les Pagodes de Cos (St-Estephe)

The 2022 Les Pagodes de Cos has impressive purity and lift on the nose, with hints of black cherry, violet and peony - aromatics that you might describe as `sleek.` The palate is medium-bodied with saturated tannins. It`s as fine-boned as it seemed in barrel but perhaps just a little more powdery in texture on the finish than I remember. Fine. 91 points

The 2022 Les Pagodes de Cos is an elegant, sophisticated wine, notwithstanding its natural textural richness. Black cherry, licorice, leather, incense, chocolate and espresso all saturate the palate. Even with all of its intensity and volume, the 2022 has just enough freshness to keep things somewhat in check. This is a very serious second wine, if that term can even be used. 93 points

Aromas of rich berries, plums, spices and pencil shavings introduce the 2022 Les Pagodes de Cos, a medium to full-bodied, rich and muscular wine that`s fleshy and extracted while remaining somewhat fresh and vibrant. 89-91 points