Chateau Cos LaboryBordeaux, France

Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux
Bordeaux 1855 Classification: Fifth Growth

Château Cos Labory, located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux’s Left Bank, is a Fifth Growth estate from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Known for producing structured, robust wines that reflect the power and complexity of Saint-Estèphe, Château Cos Labory is a highly respected yet understated estate. Over the years, the château has maintained a commitment to tradition while consistently delivering wines that are classic expressions of its unique terroir.

History of Château Cos Labory

The name "Cos" comes from the French word "colline," meaning hill, and refers to the elevated position of the estate on the gravelly slopes of Saint-Estèphe. The estate’s history dates back to the early 19th century when it was owned by François Labory, whose name remains part of the château’s title. In 1855, Château Cos Labory was included in the Bordeaux Classification as a Fifth Growth, a reflection of the estate’s quality and market value at the time.

In 1922, the estate was purchased by Louis Charmolüe, who also owned the neighbouring Château Montrose, a Second Growth. The Charmolüe family ran both estates for several decades until Château Cos Labory was sold in the mid-20th century to Bernard Audoy. Today, the estate remains in the hands of the Audoy family, who have continued to invest in the vineyards and winemaking facilities, ensuring that Château Cos Labory maintains its reputation as a producer of high-quality, age-worthy wines.

Terroir of Château Cos Labory

Château Cos Labory’s 18 hectares of vineyards are situated on the prime gravelly soils of Saint-Estèphe, near the more renowned estates of Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Montrose. These deep gravel soils, with underlying clay and limestone, provide excellent drainage and are ideal for growing Bordeaux’s classic red grape varieties. The gravel helps reflect sunlight onto the vines, aiding in ripening, while the clay and limestone retain moisture, ensuring the vines remain hydrated during dry spells.

The vineyard is planted with 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon thrives in the well-drained gravel soils, contributing structure, tannins, and ageing potential to the wines, while Merlot adds richness and suppleness. The clay component of the terroir brings additional structure and weight to the wines, which are known for their robust tannins and depth.

Winemaking at Château Cos Labory

Winemaking at Château Cos Labory is a blend of traditional methods and modern techniques, with an emphasis on expressing the terroir of Saint-Estèphe. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo careful sorting to ensure that only the best fruit is used in the production process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats, which allows for precise control over the extraction of flavours, tannins, and colour.

The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 14 to 18 months, with about 40% new oak used each year. This moderate use of new oak adds complexity and structure to the wines, while allowing the fruit and terroir characteristics to shine. Château Cos Labory’s winemaking team aims to produce wines that are both powerful and balanced, capable of ageing for decades while also being approachable in their youth.

Style of Wine Produced

Château Cos Labory produces wines that are classic Saint-Estèphe in style—full-bodied, structured, and with a strong tannic backbone. The wines typically exhibit aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, with earthy notes of tobacco, cedar, and leather. On the palate, the wines are rich and layered, with firm tannins, bright acidity, and a long, complex finish.

The high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend ensures that the wines have excellent ageing potential, often requiring several years in the cellar to fully develop their complexity. With age, the tannins soften, and the wines reveal additional layers of spice, earth, and dark fruit, making them a favourite among collectors and Bordeaux enthusiasts.