2020 Coutet
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2020 Château Coutet is flat-out gorgeous, with a concentrated, powerful style in its caramelized orange, honeyed flowers, pineapple upside down cake, and toasty, spicy nuances. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and layered, it nevertheless stays focused, pure, and precise, with laser-like precision and vibrancy on the palate. This tour de force in Sauternes is going to pretty much just knock your socks off over the coming two decades.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jane Anson, Decanter
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Much more complex on the nose than the Guiraud. Bitter orange and marzipan, oily spice. Bitter orange adds freshness but it could still do with a little more acidity. (JH)
The 2020 Coutet has a promising nose with dried honey, nectarine, Clementine and saffron scents, though it doesn't quite have the complexity of the best Sauternes. The palate is well balanced with a tangy opening, fine depth and better acidity than others in this flight. Marmalade and quince tones emerge toward the finish as this lingers nicely in the mouth. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
About the producer
Classified as a First Growth in 1855, this Barsac property has a history stretching back to the 14th century. Today it has 38.5 hectares of vineyard, producing brilliant sweet wines cut by taut acidity. In certain years, it produces Cuvée Madame, pure botrytised Semillon from its oldest vines.