Coutet 2007

This property has been producing some outstanding wines in recent vintages. The sample was cloudy and not showing much on the nose, but there is a lot of concentration and candied fruit. Not as fresh as expected. Should move up. 4 stars.

Tasted single blind against its peers. The Chateau Coutet 2007 has a very intense bouquet with lemon curd and orange blossom mixed with clear honey. There is impressive precision here, almost crystalline. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine viscous entry, great weight and intensity with racy acidity. There is also much tension cutting through the layers of viscous fruit on the sorbet-like finish. This is a typical Coutet through and through and it should age effortlessly over 20-30 years.

This has a relatively simple but crisp nose with dried honey, apricot, quince and a touch of almond. The palate is well balanced with good acidity and botrytis, pure, quite linear with white peach, pear, a touch of mandarin and citrus acidity cutting through its viscous texture towards the finish. It improves the more it remains in the mouth, the nose seeming to absorb energy, the palate becoming ever more "pixilated". This is another intellectual Sauternes that should age beautifully. Drink 2012-2030+

A fresh, lively, zest nose with touches of honey, frangipane and mango. The palate is very fresh and well-defined, viscous honeyed fruits, vibrant acidity and so much freshness on the finish. Harmonious and sophisticated, this is a lovely Coutet with long-term potential. Sublime. Drink 2010-2030. Tasted April 2008