Chateau Coutet 1er Grand Cru Classe Barsac 2013

Château Coutet, 1er Grand Cru Classé Barsac, Bordeaux, France, 2013 

Grapes: 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon, 2% Muscadelle, 18 days' harvest with five manual passes in the vineyard, aged 18 months in 100% French oak barrels.

Supremely elegant Barsac with fine balance of sugar and acidity. Really fine and fresh with fantastic, honeyed fruit and long, clean finish.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Ch Coutet is one of the largest Barsac properties and has been owned by the Baly family since 1977. Ch Coutet is located in the south of the appellation and has 35 ha of vineyards. 75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Vinification takes place in oak barrels, before 18 months' extended oak ageing. (Will Heslop)
Bright yellow. Oily lanolin nose and very clean. Lovely smoothness and already approachable. Certainly delivers the Sauternes experience – and masses of sweetness. Should match many a very sweet dish."

16.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, December 2017

"The 2013 Coutet has one of the most complex aromatics you will find this year - a smorgasbord of citrus fruit, lime zest, orange blossom and white peach that is beautifully interwoven with compelling mineralite. The palate is extremely well-balanced, very intense and linear right from the start, with wonderful tension toward the finish that exhibits just a hint of spice. In other words, this is everything you expect from a great Coutet."

(93-95) points, Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, April 2014

Food Match: Foie Gras/Duck Terrine: This is a classic, traditional sweet/savoury pairing where the wine's richness complements the fattiness of the dish. Blue Cheeses: Salty, pungent cheeses like Roquefort, Stilton, or Livarot are balanced by the sweet, unctuous nature of the Sauternes. Surprisingly, this wine will also pair with Spicy, Asian cuisine, where the wine's sweetness balances/cools the spiciness/heat of the food. For sweet pairings, try Fruit-based Desserts, cheesecake or almond cake