Wine Spectator – Top 100 list of Wine

No.3 of Top 100 list of Wine:

Château Coutet 2014 – 96/100

Owned and operated by the Baly family since 1977, Bordeaux’s Château Coutet derives its name from the Gascon word for knife, referencing the “cut” imparted by the Barsac appellation’s unique soil, whose limestone content gives its sweet wines their signature crisp, lively impression. Director of marketing Aline Baly notes that 2014 was a remarkable vintage, with the highest combined levels of acidity and alcohol in more than 20 years, resulting in this beautifully balanced blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Mid-October rains also created favorable conditions for the development of botrytis.

Tasting Note:

This shows the vivid, racy side of Barsac, with streaming flavors of pineapple, yellow apple, green plum and white ginger, displaying lovely energy from start to finish. Ends with enough honeysuckle and orange blossom notes to balance the richness. Best from 2020 through 2035.—James Molesworth

James Molesworth