Château CÔTE DE BALEAU
Grand cru classé

A small vineyard of 8 ha of old vines (70% Merlot), owned by Clos Fourtet. Superb wine, balanced and fruity and tasty, for a very modest price, which rightly became a grand cru classé in 2012. Totally agree with La Revue du Vin de France "The best quality/price ratio in Saint-Émilion".

See the technical sheet

Bettane & Desseauve : 90-91/100 « Pulpeux avec un toucher de tannin soyeux, il séduit du début à la fin de bouche. »

Vinous (N. Martin): 90-92/100 "The 2024 Côte de Baleau excludes the sandy stretches of the vineyard this year, so 33% of the production was sacrificed. This has a pretty, fragrant bouquet with red cherry, blueberry and touches of violet. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins. A bit pinched at first, it is fresh if just missing substance toward the finish. This is a thoroughly enjoyable Côte de Baleau."

J-M Quarin : 91/100 « Beau rouge sombre, intense. Nez très aromatique et fruité. Fondante et séveuse à la fois, avec de la classe dans le toucher et un joli rebond aromatique final. C'est bon ! »

Vinous (A. Galloni): 89-91/100 "The 2024 Côte de Baleau is soft and plummy, with good forward fruit and solid balance, all in the understated style of the year. Black cherry, plum, new leather, licorice and chocolate are nicely pushed forward. In 2024 most of the blend is from parcels planted on clay and limestone, while those on gravel were left out. Elevage will be critical, especially in softening the tannins."

La Revue du Vin de France : 87-89/100 « La dominante de merlot est inhabituelle dans ses proportions (95%), car le cabernet franc sur les sables était trop faible pour entrer dans l'assemblage de la famille Cuvelier (Clos Fourtet). Sa tendresse fruitée le rend très avenant. »