2020 Opalie de Chateau Coutet
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. Slight note of reduction – sweaty. But richer fruit on the palate, some depth and power. Not fruity but has good structure, a sour-fresh finish and an impression that this is not bone dry. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Opalie de Coutet has a well-defined and more delineated nose compared to its peers, presenting scents of dried white flowers and peach skin that gain cohesion in the glass. The palate is well balanced, with a slightly viscous entry and great depth. It’s maybe missing some tension, but it would show well served at a cooler temperature. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Opalie, the dry cuvée from Coutet, has a perfumed nose of white flowers, honeysuckle and Conference pear, a light earthy note emerging with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine acidity that neatly counters the concentrated citrus fruit, and a tang of stem ginger and dried orange peel toward the finish. This is an excellent Opalie that should drink well for several years.
Sporting a pale lemon color, the 2020 Opalie de Coutet gives up invigorating wafts of grapefruit oil, mandarin peel and nectarines, with hints of struck match and wet pebbles. The dry, refreshing, medium-bodied palate is packed with citrus and minerally flavors, supported by a racy backbone and finishing zesty. I like this "sec" expression a lot!
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.