Château Cos Labory

Château Cos Labory takes its name from the Cos hill and François Labory, who owned the estate until 1845. The property was known as Cos Gaston in the late 1700s before being renamed. Louis Gaspard d'Estournel, the legendary figure behind neighboring Cos d'Estournel, briefly held ownership in 1847. The estate passed through several hands before the Audoy family acquired it in 1959; François Audoy and later Bernard Audoy, a direct descendant, guided the property through much of its modern era. In March 2023, Michel Reybier, already owner of Cos d'Estournel, purchased Cos Labory, reuniting two estates that share the same famous hill.

• Originally named Cos Gaston in the late 1700s; renamed after owner François Labory
• Louis Gaspard d'Estournel held ownership briefly in 1847
• Audoy family ownership spanned 1959 to 2023
• Michel Reybier acquired the estate in March 2023, joining it with Cos d'Estournel

The vineyards of Cos Labory sit on the Cos hill plateau in Saint-Estèphe, reaching a peak elevation of 25 meters. The soils combine deep gravel over marly limestone subsoil, with clay-limestone and limestone bedrock also present. This is some of the most coveted terrain in the northern Médoc, shared with the adjacent estates of Cos d'Estournel and Lafite-Rothschild. The temperate maritime climate, moderated by the proximity of the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, reduces climatic extremes and supports consistent ripening across varieties. Modern upgrades in 1999 introduced temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to the winery, improving precision in fermentation.

• Cos hill plateau at up to 25 meters elevation, with gentle slopes
• Soils of deep gravel over gunz gravel and marly limestone subsoil
• Adjacent to Cos d'Estournel and Lafite-Rothschild
• Temperate maritime climate moderated by the Gironde estuary and Atlantic Ocean

The estate covers 35 hectares in total, with 18 hectares dedicated to production of the Grand Vin. The planting mix is firmly Cabernet Sauvignon-led at 55 to 60 percent, supported by Merlot at 35 to 36 percent, Cabernet Franc at 5 percent, and Petit Verdot at 4 percent. This classic Médoc assemblage reflects the gravelly terroir, which drains well and favors the late-ripening Cabernet varieties. Younger vines are directed to the second wine, Le Charme de Cos Labory, allowing the Grand Vin to draw from the estate's most mature fruit.

Cos Labory produces wines in a balanced, classically Médoc style. The wines are characterized by black fruit aromas, elegance, and tannic structure, with increasing depth and refinement as the estate has modernized. The Cabernet Sauvignon backbone provides longevity, while the significant Merlot component adds roundness and approachability in youth. The style sits within the broader Saint-Estèphe identity: structured, serious, and suited to medium to long-term cellaring.

• Dominant black fruit aromas with classic Médoc structure
• Significant tannic power balanced by Merlot-driven roundness
• Suited to medium to long-term cellaring
• Le Charme de Cos Labory serves as the approachable second wine