Chateau Cos Labory
Cos Labory is perched on the hill of Cos in Saint-Estèphe. Its name reveals exactly where it is located. It is located on the hills of Cos, where François Labory, the property's owner until 1845, was once situated. Classified as a Fifth Growth estate in 1855, it has long been established as one of the smaller Cru Classé wineries in the Médoc region.
In 2023, the situation changed when Michel Reybier and his family purchased the property. Their stated plan is to prioritize continuity over innovation. Specifically, they intend to maintain the property's independence, properly tend to the gravel plateau, and ensure that the oldest vines carry on the legacy of Grand Vin. The soil consists of a thick layer of gravel overlying clay and limestone; the Gironde estuary lies right next to it, and half of the vineyard is planted with the Cabernet Sauvignon variety.
From Labory to Reybier
The name of this estate derives from two simple facts. Cos is the name of the hill on which the estate stands, and Labory refers to the first owner, François Labory, who owned the estate until 1845.
Two years later, in 1847, Louis Gaspard d'Estournel acquired the estate. This connection is significant for understanding the site today. The repurchase of this property was viewed not merely as an expansion but as a tribute to its founder.
In 1855, Château Cos Labory was classified as a Fifth Growth. This vineyard is one of the few Saint-Estèphe vineyards included in the classification system, and although it is not widely known to the public, it has consistently maintained that classification.
When Michel Reybier announced his intention to acquire the property, he stated his policy of maintaining the vineyard's independence while maximizing the quality that the Saint-Estèphe terroir allows. In Bordeaux, while words alone are not enough, early signs suggest a focus on preserving heritage rather than undertaking a major overhaul. It will be worth keeping an eye on over the next decade.
Thirty-five hectares on the plateau of Cos
Cos Labory's vineyard spans 35 hectares and is scattered across several small, separate parcels rather than forming a single contiguous plot. While this dispersed layout is common in the Médoc region, here it forms a distinct internal hierarchy.
Three of these small plots are situated at the summit of the plateau, directly atop Cos Hill. This area is the historic heart of the vineyard and is home to its oldest vines. The grapes harvested from these plots are used in Grand Vin wine.
The average age of the vines across the entire vineyard is 38 years. This is old enough to be recognized for its value, yet young enough that the vineyard still has ample potential for growth before large-scale replanting alters the landscape. The relatively younger plots are not simply treated as leftovers; they are also used as raw material for other wines in this vineyard's lineup.
The terroir
Saint-Estèphe is located at the northernmost of the famous Médoc communes and is well-known for its firmer, more structured red wines. Château Cos Labory's vineyard partly explains the characteristics of the wines produced here.
The plateau consists of a deep layer of gravel overlying a base of clay and limestone. The gravel allows for rapid drainage and warms up quickly, making it ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon. The underlying clay and limestone store moisture, which is a decisive factor in determining whether the grapes will ripen evenly or suffer stress during the dry summer months.
Water also plays a role. The Gironde estuary is nearby, and the Atlantic Ocean lies behind it. Both act as buffers, mitigating the effects of frost and sudden temperature spikes. This has been the Médoc region's oldest advantage, and it remains valid to this day.
Half Cabernet, a third Merlot
The variety composition of Château Cos Labory follows the typical Médoc style and has no special or unique characteristics:
- Cabernet Sauvignon: Half of the vineyard
- Merlot: Roughly one-third
- Cabernet Franc: A small amount
- Petit Verdot: Also a small proportion
The actual blend ratio in the bottle varies by vintage. Typically, Cabernet Sauvignon makes up the majority, Merlot fills the middle, and Petit Verdot is included in some vintages but omitted in others; when included, it is generally used in only small quantities. Cabernet Franc is also used in this winery's other Chateau wine, Château Andron Blanquet, which is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.
The wines
Château Cos Labory's wine lineup is organized by the age of the vines and by vineyard block, reflecting the utmost transparency that Bordeaux can offer.
Château Cos Labory corresponds to Grand Vin, which was classified a Fifth Growth in 1855. This wine is produced from three historic small plots located at the summit of the plateau and from the oldest vines in this vineyard.
Le Saint-Estèphe de Cos Labory is the second wine, produced from the youngest vines of the highest quality and primarily based on Cabernet Sauvignon. Charme de Cos Labory also uses young vines; it is a lighter, fruit-forward wine that is best enjoyed young.
Château Andron Blanquet is the fourth wine, described by the winery as the younger sibling of Grand Vin. It features soft tannins and freshness, with sufficient structure to warrant serious consideration.
All four wines are reds, and all come from the Saint-Estèphe appellation. There are no white wines, no rosés, and no side projects. For a winery of this size, this level of focus is key.
Frequently asked questions
Is Château Cos Labory a classified growth?
Yes. It was classified a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification and remains one of the classified estates of Saint-Estèphe.
Who owns Château Cos Labory?
Michel Reybier and his family, since 2023.
What is the second wine of Cos Labory?
Le Saint-Estèphe de Cos Labory, made mainly from Cabernet Sauvignon off the youngest high-quality vines.
Where does the name come from?
From two things: the hill of Cos where the vineyard sits, and François Labory, the estate's first owner up to 1845.
