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".

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La Revue du Vin de France : 92-94/100 “Delicious! The nose offers crisp, vibrant black fruit, with hints of thyme. On the palate, it is lively, framed by velvety, subtly gripping tannins. It stands out for its zesty finish, which comes from the 95% Merlot from a warm vintage. The mosaic of soil types lends a rich diversity of both aromatic and mineral notes to the finish.”

Bettane+Desseauve : 92-93/100 “Bright red berries and ripe dark fruits complement one another on the nose and on the palate. The velvety, lingering tannins lend it great charm.”

Vinous (N. Martin) : 91-93/100 "The 2025 Côte de Baleau, which comes more from the clay/limestone soils rather than sandy and underwent a lighter extraction, has a slight reduction on the nose, with quite a noticeable marine, slightly briny tincture that lends another dimension to the red fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with finely chiselled tannins, the blackberry and blueberry fruit clean and precise, not long, but there is good tension and just the right amount of sapidity."

J-M Quarin: 91/100 “A deep, intense red color with bright highlights. The nose is highly aromatic, fruity, and subtle. On the palate, it is smooth and velvety, with a refined texture, a delicate flavor, and elegant tannins.”

Vinous (A. Galloni) : 90-93/100 "The 2025 Côte de Baleau is quite dense in this vintage, largely due to a reduction of fruit from sandier soils. This usually comprises about a third of the blend, but these parcels are currently being redeveloped. Succulent dark cherry fruit, new leather, licorice, mocha and sweet French oak are pushed forward. Plush contours wrap it all up in style. This is a fine choice for medium-term drinking, once the tannins soften a bit."