Chateau Coutet

Wine information: Château Coutet, owned since 1977 by the Bally family, is one of the oldest estates in this famous area of France and is regarded as producing one of the region’s finest wines. Classified as Premier Cru (First Growth) in 1855 the estate covers 95 acres of vines immediately surrounding the Château near the village of Barsac. The vineyards are planted 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle with an average age of 35 years. Château Coutet benefits from an exceptional terroir. The vines' deep roots extract elements from a limestone and clay-based soil, giving the grapes freshness, richness and strength. For this reason the wine carries the name "Coutet,” derived from the Gascon's word for knife, to signify the fresh, lively and crisp palate that is the estate's signature style. In its youth, the property's wines display generous notes of white flowers, citrus fruits, honey and vanilla. Time brings out deeper, warmer notes in which spices combine with exotic nectars and candied fruits. Age also enhances the harmony of its roasted Botrytis character and its distinct aromas to give Château Coutet a delicate and unique bouquet that is unsurpassed.

Reviews: "2009 Chateau Coutet Barsac 92-94: (a blend of 75% semillon, 23% sauvignon and 2% muscadelle; 14+% alcohol; 146 g/l residual sugar) Bright, deep golden yellow. Delicate smoky nuances complicate aromas of ripe citrus fruits, brown sugar and vanilla on the floral, perfumed nose. Enters very rich and creamy, showing very good balance to its pineapple jam, star fruit, white peach and citrus flavors. Finishes long, creamy-rich and smooth, with strong botrytis character and a lingering flinty note. One of the top '09 Sauternes I tasted, and one of the best young Coutets ever. This should age exceptionally well." Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar

"The Coutet 2009 is a sensational effort from Philippe Baly and his team. It has a fragrant nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and apple-blossom, well defined if needing a little more vigour at the moment. The palate is vibrant on the entry, informed by touches of apricot and orange peel, very focused and tensile towards the long, sensuous, viscous finish. It has the same minerality exuded by Doisy-Daene and reminds me of a stellar ’62 tasted just a few weeks previously. A magnificent Coutet." 96 - 98 Points, Robert Parker, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

 
   

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