1989 Chateau Coutet a Barsac, Barsac “Cuvee Madame” Premier Cru Classe, Sweet Wine, Bordeaux, France.
Thanks to Fred Daniels, one of SF’s biggest Sauternes enthusiasts, for sharing this masterpiece with me, this was a treat no question and a welcome surprise. Only having limited experience with vintage Barsac (or Sauternes) is was a glorious learning occasion to sample the 1989 Coutet Cuvee Madame and furthered my advanced education. The nose of the ’89 Coutet starts with orange rind, dried roses, peaches and honey with leads to a remarkably taught palate of sweet fruit, lush texture and lifting acidity with lemon curd, apricot, tangerine, pineapple, candied citrus peel, vanilla and honey. While rich and decadent this beautiful Barsac never feels overly cloying or syrupy and the long finish is dreamy and zesty even. The amber hue hints at age, though the focus, detail and balance suggests another few decades of life, what a joyous wine, totally fantastic from start to finish.
($200-300 Est.) 95+ Points, grapelive
