Château Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2025 - 1er Cru Classé (Primeurs)

Coutet (pronounced “Coutette,” in the Gascon style) is destined to be the eternal rival of Climens in Barsac—which is by no means a miserable fate. Its soils are slightly different, and while the citrus notes derived from the limestone subsoil are present, Coutet produces wines that are a bit more lively and mineral than Climens. In recent vintages, the wine has shown greater richness and body—a response to the competition from its peers. The 2014 vintage will not match the château’s greatest vintages, but the 2015 is expected to dazzle.

On the nose and palate, lovely fragrant and aromatic notes of peach and pear. Round, smooth, succulent, and lively, this wine offers a thoroughly charming presence on the palate: ripe, clean, lively, and sweet, with notes of orange juice, pineapple, mango, and peach. A lovely hint of bitterness also enhances the finish. Very confident.

This Premier Grand Cru Classé is one of the two leading estates in Barsac, along with Climens. On most of the plots, the famous red soil—a mixture of iron oxide and limestone—gives the wine an extra edge of liveliness compared to its immediate neighbors with equivalent sugar content. Aromas of citrus and acacia bring it closer to Climens, but Coutet generally opens up more quickly and often has slightly less sweetness, with the exception of the famous “crème de tête” known as the “Madame” cuvée. Philippe Baly from Alsace and his brother Dominique, along with his daughter Aline, have managed the estate with great care since their father purchased it in 1977. We have been following this consistently excellent estate for many years.

This wine is round and concentrated, with lively acidity that gives it a lovely balance. It is full-bodied and captivates with its power, with just the right amount of freshness to give it cohesion.

The bouquet of the 2025 Coutet reveals itself in a delicate, subtle, almost shy—or rather, cautious—manner! Notes of orange peel, acacia flowers, mirabelle plums, raspberries, and nectarines create an unlikely symbiosis and make up only part of the exceptional aromatic spectrum. Dense and slightly briny on the attack, the wine unfolds seamlessly, with verve and energy. It is supported by a crisp structure that lends tension and character with rare elegance. A wine of remarkable subtlety, yet generous, fresh, and persistent. 2030–2085

Bright golden color. A complex and fragrant nose, with great precision and purity. Aromas reminiscent of Williams pear, orange blossom, ripe apricots, and candied peaches, with notes of vanilla and sweet spices, as well as a hint of cardamom in the background. On the palate, it is well-balanced and structured, with a rich sweetness, subtle acidity, and flavors that mirror the nose, complemented by a hint of white nougat. Excellent length.