Smooth and rich while remaining structured, this wine performs the role of second wine very well. The tannins are already rounded and the black currant fruit remains fresh. It should be ready to drink in 2016.

This is delicious second wine from Cos d’Estournel, with spice, meat and currant character. Full body, round tannins and a clean finish. Needs two or three years to soften but it’s already very good. (Suckling)

This estate's second wine, the 2011 Les Pagodes de Cos reveals reasonably broad, round, black currant and black cherry fruit notes, medium body, surprisingly good texture and a soft finish. An attractive, plump effort, it will drink well for a decade. It mirrors its grander sibling as it is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot.

Ripe and friendly in feel, with black licorice-framed plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit flavors that are open and accessible. A twinge of plum skin provides the only support on the finish, so drink up sooner rather than later. Drink now through 2018.

(65% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot and 2% petit verdot; 70% of total production; 3.4 g/I total acidity; 3.55 pH; 71 I PT; 13.3% alcohol): Bright ruby. Very fresh aromas of blackcurrant, minerals and cinnamon. Fresh and pure wine in a polite style, with sneaky concentration of flavor. Finishes with very good length. Pagodes has been on a roll of late.