This is really packed, with heather, golden raisin, dried pineapple, fresh white peach, quince and honey notes all woven beautifully together. The long, pure, singing finish has loads in reserve. James Molesworth, WineSpectator.com
Wine SpectatorScore: 95-98/100
To be honest, I expected the 2011 Coutet to come rushing out of the blocks like Doisy-Daene. however it is not playing that game. Instead, it is almost Zen-like upon first acquaintance before revealing its life-affirming mineral aromas and traces of apricot and white peach that remain very subtle and yet tangibly there. The palate is medium-bodied with exceptional balance. There is a real sense of synergy between component parts. nothing out of place, everything focused and succinctly composed, with its trademark sense of thrilling tension on the finish. This is sheer class and a classic Coutet to add to the canon of great recent vintages. Drink 2014-2035. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate April 2012
The Wine AdvocateScore: 94-96/100
Great density and concentration with subdued acidity this year which is unusual for Coutet where one expects raciness. Rich, honeyed and unctuous. Fat and chunky right now but the depth and finish shows promise. Drink 2024-2047. Decanter.com
DecanterScore: 18/20
This white is thick and rich with lots of dried fruit character as well as spices. Full body, medium sweet and a spicy finish. Lovely intensity. Classy. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com
James SucklingScore: 93-94/100
Great density and concentration with subdued acidity this year which is unusual for Coutet where one expects raciness. Rich, honeyed and unctuous. Fat and chunky right now but the depth and finish shows promise. Jeannie Cho Lee MW, AsianPalate.com
Jeannie Cho Lee MWScore: 92-94/100
Tasted blind at the Sauternes 2011 horizontal tasting. The 2011 Château Coutet has a distinctive but attractive bouquet: clear honey, rosewater, peach and just a touch of barley sugar that pins it down to Barsac. The palate is medium-bodied and viscous in texture. There is more harmony here than the nose, nicely understated with quince and barley sugar, dovetailing into an elegant finish. I would prefer just a touch more weight and persistence but otherwise this is a fine Sauternes even if it does not quite meet my expectations from barrel, primarily since it is just missing Coutet's usual razor-sharp acidity that imparts such electricity into its finest vintages. Nevertheless, this will provide much pleasure over the next two or three decades. eRobertParker.com.February, 2015
Neal MartinScore: 93/100
Almost herbaceous character on the nose with aromas of grapefruit, white peach and apricot. Well balanced with notes of honey and quince rounding off with a creamy finish. FINE+RARE
FINE+RAREScore: 17/20
RS 155 g/l, TA 3.9 g/l, pH 3.75. Slightly reductive note, and not very giving on the nose. Delicately fragrant lemon and apricot. Savoury/sour concentration lacking immediate appeal but has lovely depth of orange and apricot on the mid palate and lingers with a zesty, spicy freshness. A stayer. Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MWScore: 17/20
The 2011 Coutet is pale lemon-gold in color and has a lovely musk perfume with honeyed white peaches and pink grapefruit plus hints of beeswax and spiced pears. It's elegant and refreshing in the mouth with great purity and a savory finish. Aug 2018, www.robertparker.com
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine AdvocateScore: 91/100
Bordeaux / France