| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Sauternes and Barsac |
| Colour | Sweet White |
| Type | Still |
Coutet is one of the leading Chateaux in the Barsac sub-district of Sauternes.
Pale lemon colored, the 2016 Coutet reveals gorgeous quince paste, candied ginger and key lime pie scents with touches of lemon marmalade and peach compote. Full-bodied, rich and seriously seductive, it has a lively line cutting through the sweet, dense layers and epically long finish. 2021-2049.
The vibrant, tropical fruit-coulis character draws you into this concentrated and elegant Barsac. Then the crisp acidity and a wave of lemon and mineral character comes through, driving the finish out in the direction of the horizon. Drink or hold.
Oh that's lovely. Ginger and sumac spice, and a gorgeous richness with the perfect balance of minerality. Rich but pure botrytis character and gently curling smoky notes leap out of the glass. Amazing persistency, easily one of the best wines in the tasting. This is excellent; succulent and mouthwatering.
Correct but somewhat restrained nose, particularly in comparison with Clos Haut-Peyraguey. Just a little dull. Not the juiciest. Not the sweetest. Very youthful. 13.7%
Drink 2025-2040
Coutet is one of the leading Chateaux in the Barsac sub-district of Sauternes. Ripe, honeyed and botrytic on the nose this year, there is a herbal edge to the fruit at this young stage. Rich and powerful in its fruit character, this unfinished wine is very smoky at this young stage and has no yet integrated fully into the clearly considerable fruit concentration. Should resolve with time in barrel and bottle.
The nose is quite light the palate richer with apricot and white peach. The sweet fruit is backed by freshness lighter at the back the finish lacks a bit of complexity, depth and richness. 2025-38
Coutet’s wines are refined, restrained and refreshing in the richest of vintages, so in a year like 2016, they are even more so. This is a focused, taut, beautifully balanced Barsac with subtle reduction, citrus and grapefruit notes and a dusting of vanilla spice.
The 2016 Coutet has a high-toned bouquet of honey, clementine and light waxy aromas that overall is missing some complexity. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening and notes of marmalade, quince and ginger. This is quite linear in style and does not really fan out on the finish, but I appreciate the harmony and length. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2022 - 2038
The 2016 Coutet has an intriguing bouquet, more exotic than I have noticed in the past, scents of tangerine and dried pineapple, not quite the mineral drive that I expect from Coutet. The palate is serviced back to normal: a very fine line of acidity, great delineation, taut and focused with a brisk and precise finish. I just hope that the aromatics get their house in order during the barrel maturation so that it matches the palate. At the moment, I will be prudent with my score. Drink Date 2021 - 2045
Tight and linear with blueberry and currant character. Medium body, firm tannins and a bright finish.
