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Cos was good in the 1990's but since 2000 the quality level here has reached another level. Jean-Guillaume Prats has been given total control by the new owner to produce the best wine possible and his avowed aim here is to make wine of First Growth quality at less than half the price. This is something that he has already achieved in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005.. Cos is now battling it out with Leoville Lascases, Ducru Beaucaillou, Pichon Lalande and Palmer as the Medoc's best non-First Growth. Yields are low, prices are up but Cos is really making great wine. In 2006 Cos is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc. 45% of the total production (and the majority of the Merlot) was relegated to the 2nd label - Les Pagodes de Cos. Elevage in 80% new oak.Dark and inky in colour, this is clearly a Cos of great depth. The brooding nose offers layers of aromatic black fruits, exotic spice and minerality, with a generous overlay of super-classy oak. The powerful, mouthfilling palate is packed with extract and full, ripe tannins, yet is smooth and balanced throughout. The cassis-laden Cabernet fruit shows pure St Estephe minerality, infused with Cos' trademark exotic allure. This is a big wine that carries itself with true grace. A tour de force for 2006. ONE OF THE WINES OF THE VINTAGE.
Farr Vintners
Jean-Guillaume Prats told me that yields were a modest 38 hectoliters per hectare, and only 55% of the production made it into the 2006 Cos. The harvest took place between September 21 and October 6, and the final blend is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), followed by 20% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2006 recalls such vintages as 1988 and 1996. It offers a classic bouquet of incense, licorice, pain grille, black currants, truffles, and flowers. Medium-bodied and concentrated with moderately high tannin, it will require 8-10 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30 or more. It is another terrific effort from an estate that has done everything right over the last decade.92-94+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate
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