Ch. Coutet
1st Growth Premier Cru Classe
Barsac
1989

The producer

The modern history of Chateau Coutet began when the estate was acquired by the Baly family in 1977. Today Coutet is one of the most forward-thinking producers In Sauternes, continually battling the old adage of sweet wines as suited only to a dessert course, or perhaps foie gras. Coutet may, in fact, itself be one of the most versatile Barsacs as its richness is balanced by a refined minerality and salinity from the cooler clay and limestone soils.

This is one of Barsac’s largest properties, located in the south of the appellation, where 35 hectares of vineyards are planted with 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle.  Classified as Sauternes 1er Cru Classe, the wines are fermented in French oak barrels and following matured for around 18 months in 100% new oak barrels.

In 1943, Coutet started producing the elusive “Cuvee Madame” (named after a previous housekeeper at Coutet). “Elusive” because it is only produced in the best vintages, and in very small quantities (less than 1,500 bottles). But this beautiful, complex and amazingly sensual wine is really worth searching out.

The wine

With fruit derived from vineyards in the south of the Barsac village, the blend for Coutet’ Grand Vin varies with vintage conditions but usually comprises around 75% Semillon, with around 20% Sauvignon Blanc and the remainder Muscadelle. Fermentation takes place in barrel and is followed by ageing for 18 months in 100% new oak barrels. Coutet may be one of the most versatile Barsacs as its richness is balanced by a refined minerality and salinity from the cooler clay and limestone soils. A wine of grace and complexity, where tropical and candied fruit intermingle with spice, acacia honey and uplifting verbena and lemongrass aromatics.

We choose our wines based on a range of criteria (see how we choose our wines) of which critic scores is just one. Rather than simply highlight the best score to promote a wine, our average critic score is calculated from the scores provided by several respected wine critics, who we follow for specific regions. They do not represent all critic scores and, wherever possible, we try and give more weight to more recent reviews. Where appropriate we consider market-based scores like Global Wine Score or Wine Searcher Average scores.

As a rule, we look to offer wines that achieve a 92/100 average critic score or better and frankly a lot of very good wines simply don’t make the cut. As a high-end provider we want to reflect that positioning in the quality of wines we offer. Such wines are only a tiny fraction of those generally on offer in the market. We believe that an average score is a more conservative and representative approach, but it is still subjective and only offered as a guide to our customers, who will (and should) do their own research. We will add individual critic scores to our website in the future.