The 2016 Château Coutet is an outstanding Sauternes/Barsac from one of the region’s most historic estates. Classified as a Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 Classification, Château Coutet is located in Barsac, where the limestone-rich soils give the wines a distinctive combination of sweetness, freshness and mineral tension. Unlike some of the more opulent Sauternes, Coutet is renowned for elegance and vibrant acidity.
The 2016 vintage is particularly successful. A dry summer followed by favourable autumn conditions allowed noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) to develop gradually, producing grapes with excellent concentration while preserving Coutet’s characteristic freshness. The wine is predominantly Sémillon, supported by Sauvignon Blanc and a small proportion of Muscadelle.
The finish is very long and persistent, with lingering flavours of candied lemon, apricot, honey, spice and crushed limestone. The wine is still youthful, but the combination of concentration and acidity suggests excellent ageing potential. With time, expect increasing complexity from beeswax, roasted nuts, dried citrus and caramel.
