Chateau Cos Labory
Situated in the Left Bank’s Saint-Estèphe commune, Château Cos Labory has been a wine-producing estate since the 18th century, later earning Fifth Growth designation at the Bordeaux Classification of 1855. Its fruity Cabernet Sauvignon-forward blends have become synonymous with the Château, and are unique in that they are intended for younger consumption than most classified Bordeaux offerings.
Originally known as Château Gaston, the Château’s name was later changed to its current one just prior to its purchase in the mid-1800s by Louis-Gaspard d’Estournel, who also owned the nearby Cos d’Estournel. A century later, both estates changed ownership once again, with some of Cos Labory’s most desirable parcels being absorbed by Cos d’Estournel. Now standing at 18 hectares, Château Cos Labory is one of the smallest cru classé châteaux in Bordeaux.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant varietal grown, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot also present, albeit in much smaller quantities. The soil is typical of the Saint-Estèphe appellation, providing the best of both worlds: land closer to Cos d’Esstournel features a high gravel and limestone component, making it ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, while the opposite border includes much more clay, perfect for Merlot. On average, the vines are around 35 years of age, and are planted at a density of nearly 9,000 per hectare.
Chateau Cos Labory is not a proponent of green farming, which can at times impede its consistency in quality. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels – unique among Bordeaux estates. Along with its signature product, a second wine, Le Charme de Cos Labory, is also produced.