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Tasting notes
A blend of 95% Sémillon, 4% Sauvignon Blanc, and 1% Muscadelle that was raised 18 months in 20% new French oak, the 2023 Château Coutet is always a terrific sweet wine from this estate. Its medium gold hue is followed by honeyed orange, caramelized pineapple, mint, and spicy nuances on the nose. Beautifully balanced on the palate, it has medium to full-bodied richness, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It will have 30 years of prime drinking. Drink 2026-2056.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
One of the highlights of the vintage, the 2023 Coutet is exquisite, revealing aromas of pear, white peach, beeswax, pineapple and ripe apricot intertwined with spices and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated yet without heaviness, it is fleshy and generous, built around an enveloping, vibrant core of fruit framed by racy acidity that extends into an endless, ethereal finish. Marrying the inherent vivacity of Barsac’s limestone terroirs with the concentration of the year, this ranks among my favorite renditions and may well be one of the finest wines produced here in recent times.
The 2023 Coutet has a fresh and quite saline bouquet with yellow plum, sea spray and quince scents that unfold with time. The palate is well balanced with a very harmonious and mellifluous opening, a killer line of Coutet's signature acidity that imparts superb mineralité on the finish. Wonderful.
Coutet is delivering exceptional wines year after year, and this is right up there as one of the best of the 2023 vintage. Love the twist of acidity that runs right through the grated ginger and white peach, totally delicious, lingering and sleek, with fennel, anis, grilled pineapple, dried mango and saffron. Harvest between September 20 and October 11. Waves of flavour that keep you engaged and smiling.
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.