Château Coutet Sauternes-Barsac 2017 - 1er Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

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-driven than Climens. In recent vintages, the wine has shown greater richness and body, no doubt spurred on by the competition with its peers. The 2014 vintage will not match the château’s greatest vintages, but the 2015 is expected to dazzle.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

It develops an intense aroma of flint. Its full-bodied palate is refreshed by the mineral character of the Barsac soil. A full-bodied yet supple wine that sets the standard for excellence. Masterful.

About the estate:

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 body, 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 been managing the estate with great care since their father purchased it in 1977. We have been following this consistently excellent estate for many years.

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

Barrel sample. This wine displays excellent balance and harmonious elegance. Its botrytized fruit lends it rich intensity, with aromas of ripe orange marmalade and a crisp, well-defined acidity. This wine has a promising future and will not be ready for drinking until 2024. — Roger Voss

James Suckling

About the wine:

Wow! This wine offers fabulous concentration and intensity, a lively sweetness, and a beautiful, long, linear finish. Notes of orange peel, lemon, and peach come through. Fresh finish. Ready to drink now or worth cellaring.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

A complex, youthful bouquet marked by mineral and floral notes. Fruity notes are also present; they are subtle and inviting, and I detect hints of citrus, figs, and finally a touch of mint. On the palate, the wine is imposing. It reveals itself slowly but surely, displaying fullness and freshness in a perfectly balanced way. The tension provides a solid foundation and carries the aromatic expression all the way to the finish, while the sweetness pairs perfectly with the acidity. I believe this wine will age beautifully. A truly outstanding achievement. 2024–2057

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

A brilliant golden-yellow color. An elegant nose with magnificent aromas reminiscent of ripe Williams pears, juicy apricots, candied lemon zest, and subtle notes of saffron—both complex and refined. On the palate, remarkable balance, elegant smoothness, and lovely acidity, with generous fruitiness. A wine with depth and a long finish.