Coutet 2023

The 2023 Coutet has a tightly-wound bouquet that demands more coaxing than its peers. It typically already possesses laser-sharp focus and is less flamboyant than fellow Barsacs, underpinned and sharpened by its limestone soils. The palate is well balanced with intense botrytised fruit, lightly spiced dried honey and orange rind notes, just a hint of apricot in the background, stretching out on the finish that lingers on the tongue. I am not sure it is the best Coutet in recent years, but it is certainly a very fine contribution to the vintage that should age well in bottle.

A Barsac with dried-apple, apricot and spice character. The botrytis comes through with a healthy and clean nature to it. Medium-bodied and medium-sweet with a spicy finish.

Beautiful aromatics, fresh acidity that picks things up from the first moment, crisp citrus, mango, pineapple, grated ginger, and a twist of bitter aniseed on the finish. Richly concentrated, reflecting small yields, but once again a wine that shows the huge potential of this style in the 2023 vintage. Harvest between September 20 and October 11.

95% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle. Cask sample.Pale gold hue. Clean and precise on the nose with zesty mandarin-citrus notes. Sweet attack then good length and persistence. Bitter-botrytised finish. (JL) 13.5%Drink 2027 – 2045