Overview

Chateau Cos Labory is a winery in the Saint-Estephe appellation of the Bordeaux region of France. The wine produced here was classified as one of eighteen Cinquimes Crus (Fifth Growths) in the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855.

The name of the estate comes from its geographical location on the Cos hill and the name of Francois Labory, who was the first owner until 1845. Mr. d'Estournel then acquired it before selling it again to an English banker, Charles Martyns in 1852. The property was finally taken over by George Weber in the 1930s, who bequeathed it to his daughter and son-in-law, Franois Audoy in 1959. In 1971, the couple acquired the neighbouring estate, Chteau Andron Blanquet. Their sons worked with them on the two estates for a few years and then the elder Bernard took over the running of the properties. Bernard is a strong, practical manager with a quiet reassuring manner. He has always lived in Saint-Estephe and is perfectly emblematic of his estate, his wines and the appellation that he has presided over since 2000.

The vineyard is planted to 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc at a density of 8,700 vines per hectare. The wine is vilified in stainless steel tanks that range from 60-180hl in a cellar last renovated in the early noughties. Blending starts tan the beginning of the ageing process, 50% in new oak, some American for the Cabernet Sauvignon for 14 months using candles for racking.

Cos Labory wines need approx. 5 years to soften, it is relatively affordable, try to its origins and is a contender for best value and least known of the 1855 classified Bordeaux.