Chateau Coutet is one of the oldest estates in the Sauterne appellations (13th century). Evidence of this is found in the style of the building, demonstrated by the fortified architecture -- reminiscent of the Duchy of Guyenne -- unique to this first cru classé classified in 1855. The estate, which currently boasts 38.5 hectares, turned to wine-growing in 1643, and was soon recognised for the quality of its produce, praised in 1787 by Thomas Jefferson (future president of the United States, and then the American Ambassador in Paris). The estate was initially the property of the well-known De Lur Saluces family, who owned the first cru supérieur, Château d'Yquem, for more than 400 years and who laid the foundations for the famous cru supérieur. The future of the Chateau Coutet now lies in the hands of Philippe, Dominique and Aline Baly, current owners of this quality Barsac. In their quest for excellence, the local teams have with their skills been able to raise the wines of this Barsac up though the pyramid of elegant, refined, thoroughbred, fresh and light Barsac wines. While Barsac wines are generally considered more mineral and sappy than their neighbours, the Sauternes (on account of the soil), Coutet should perhaps carry it through to its climax, remaining faithful to its roots: in Gascon, Coutet means knife. The wines are thus cutting, or in other words, sharp and keen. Whatever its history, Coutet produces wines whose true value is to be admired in appreciation of their roots.