Château Cos Labory
シャトー・コス・ラボリ
1855 Fifth Growth in Saint-Estèphe, revived by Cos d'Estournel owner since 2023
Château Cos Labory is a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) estate in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, located in Saint-Estèphe at the northern tip of the Médoc. The château's name derives from the 'Cos' hill — a Gascon term for 'hill of pebbles' — and François Labory, its first owner. The 35-hectare vineyard sits on a plateau of deep gravel with clay and limestone subsoil, planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. In March 2023, Michel Reybier, owner of the neighbouring Cos d'Estournel, acquired the estate, introducing hand harvesting, biodynamic viticulture, shorter skin contact, and whole-berry ferments. The wines combine the firm, tannic structure typical of Saint-Estèphe with aromatic complexity: dark fruit, iron, cedar, and earthy spice, underpinned by a mineral finish. Barrel-aged with up to 45% new oak, the wine is accessible within a decade yet rewards 15–20 years of cellaring. A second wine, Le Charme de Cos Labory (formerly Le Saint-Estèphe de Cos Labory), offers an approachable introduction to the estate's style.
www.cos-labory.com ↗Cuvées
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Who Is This For?
Ideal for Bordeaux collectors and serious wine enthusiasts who appreciate structured, tannic reds with aging potential. Those seeking a Fifth Growth Saint-Estèphe at a more accessible price point than First or Second Growths. Well suited for those who enjoy pairing wine with classic meat dishes — roast beef, rack of lamb, duck, and game.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 1855 classification of Château Cos Labory?
- Château Cos Labory was classified as a Cinquième Cru (Fifth Growth) in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification established for the Paris World Exhibition. It is one of 18 Fifth Growths in the Médoc.
- Who owns Château Cos Labory today?
- Since March 2023, the estate is owned by Michel Reybier and his family, who also own the neighbouring Deuxième Cru Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Andron Blanquet.
- What grape varieties are grown at Château Cos Labory?
- The 35-hectare vineyard is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. The gravel-rich soils favour Cabernet Sauvignon on the plateau, while clay-richer parcels are dedicated to Merlot.
- How long should I cellar Château Cos Labory?
- The wine can be enjoyed within 5–10 years of the vintage, but ideally benefits from 10–18 years of bottle age. Good vintages such as 2015, 2016, and 2018 can evolve for 20 years or more. Decanting young vintages for 1–2 hours is recommended.
- What foods pair well with Château Cos Labory?
- The wine's firm tannins and dark fruit profile pair beautifully with roast beef, rack of lamb, duck, venison, and game birds. It also works well with mushroom-based dishes, aged hard cheeses, and hearty pasta.