Chateau Coutet – Classified 1st Growth

Sauternes-Barsac AOC

Grapes Varieties:

75% Sémillon – 23% Sauvignon Blanc – 2% Muscadelle

Vineyard:

Standing over the main courtyard, the château’s stout square tower with a flat crenellated top is believed to originate from the late 13th Century with a design typical of the military constructions from the time of Aquitaine’s English occupation. The first noted owner of the property, Charles le Guerin, Lord of Coutet, counselor at the Bordeaux Parliament purchased the estate in 1643. His descendants owned Château Coutet until 1788. After the French Revolution, the domain was acquired by the Marquis de Lur Saluces. At the time he was also the owner of Châteaus d’Yquem, de Fargues, Filhot and de Malle. Château Coutet remained under the care of the Lur-Saluces family until 1922. Then it was in the care of the Société Immobilière des Grands Crus de France. This transaction separated the estate from Château d’Yquem. In 1977, the estate was sold to Marcel Baly and his sons Philippe and Dominique. What followed was the placement of a long-term commitment to restoring and re-planting the vineyard, optimizing all the work processes and operations, rebuilding the cellar and winery. Throughout the eighties the family stayed focus on these first steps creating a strong technical foundation for today and for future generations.

Winemaking:

Manual harvesting with several successive sortings. Fermenattion for 3 to 4 weeks in barrels, with 50% new oak. Ageing for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels.

Tasting Note:

Nice golden color with green reflections. The nose is characterized by a predominance of citrus, including orange, and also offers notes of pineapple, peach, vanilla and broom combined with a hint of brioche. The entry is powerful, generous and offers a nice soothness. A beautiful freshness appears in the middle of the mouth accompanied by a sweet and dense character, for a remarkable balance. Finally, the typical vivacity of the Barsac lasts on the final.

Food Pairing:

Serve at 10-12°C as an aperitif, with Foie Gras, carpaccio of scallops and lime juice, or with melon and dry ham. This wine will be perfect with sweet-sour dishes such as rack of lamb caramelized with sauternes, pork tenderloin and honey, or fish with mild curry spices.

Rating:

2008 : 92 Points Wine Advocate

2016: 96 Points Wine Enthusiast – 90-93 Points Wine Advocate