Château Coutet 2009

The 2009 Coutet has a very intense nose of apricot, papaya, honeysuckle and orange cordial that is very well defined. Interestingly, I write the same comment as my appraisal out of barrel in that I would prefer just a little more vigor. However, that is a minor quibble. The palate is very well balanced with a rounded, caressing entry. There is certainly tremendous weight in the mouth and abundant botrytis, especially on the unctuous finish. This has great potential – a fantastic wine from one of the finest Barsac estates. Drink now–2035+

Very lightly toasty, this is more floral for now, with lively honeysuckle and pineapple notes up front, giving way to richer hints of warm brioche, fig, glazed pear and lemon shortbread that should emerge more with time. The long, lacy finish has the poise and balance for long-term cellaring. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Best from 2014 through 2034. 5,000 cases made.

On clay over limestone soils, relatively cool compared to Sauternes, this has a purity and freshness that is striking and moreish. Full of quince, candied orange, truffle, apricot and lemon curd that you hope for in a quality sweet Bordeaux, coupled with lime blossom, ginger and citrus zest adding poise and character.

A triumph for the vintage with spices, dried mushroom, dried pineapple, peaches, and honey. Full and sweet with bright acidity and a long, intense finish. Powerful wine. This could be the best Coutet ever. Better in 2015.

Tasted blind. Deep gold. Very big and massive and yet fresh, with enormous weight but tension too. Almost hot! Dense. (JR)

The 2009 Coutet has a more muted nose than previous bottles, although it just needs aeration, revealing dried honey, white peach and a light touch of tangerine. Hints of white flowers emerge with time. The palate is very well balanced, with much more precision than previous vintages and greater intensity, finishing tensile and lingering. This was Coutet firing on all cylinders and is highly recommended. Tasted from an ex-château bottle served at the estate.

This is the best example of a young Chateau Coutet I have ever tasted. Intense notes of honey-drenched pineapple, orange, apricot, nectarine, nuts and minerality command your attention. Rich, pure, sweet, powerful and refined, there is just the right amount of lift and balance to keep you coming back to the glass. The assemblage this vintage was made from 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Bravo Aline!

Intense and sweet nose, more dried-fruit character, apricot, caramel, marmalade; sweet and bold palate, balanced acidity, mineral and delicate, with a very long, rich finish.

Fairly deep yellow with an initial golden shimmer, brilliant. Intriguing bouquet: on top, fine botrytis with honey and floral notes; underneath, a generous, supportive sweetness. On the palate, almost delicate when you consider the other Barsac heavyweights, showing a fine, attractive sweetness with mirabelle plum and a hint of raisin, medium length.

Fairly deep yellow with an initial golden glint, brilliant. Intriguing bouquet with fine botrytis on top, offering honey and floral notes, and a generously supportive sweetness underneath. On the palate, almost delicate when compared with the other Barsac heavyweights, showing a fine, lovely sweetness, mirabelle plum and a hint of raisin, medium length.

Fresh, fragrant, finely mineral bouquet, apricots, Alka-Seltzer, dried Williams pear. Velvety, fruity, creamy palate with intense, sweet aromatics, delicate acidity, velvety structure, long, full finish. Can still improve. 18/20 2018 - 2040

Very elegant attack, a well-structured mid-palate, long and persistent, very candied lemon; the finish lacks a bit of character, very Barsac

The nose is elegant, racy, and offers fine minerality as well as a subtle underlying concentration. It reveals notes of dried lemon, citrus, and quince, combined with small notes of beeswax, dried orange zest, exotic fruits, nutmeg, as well as delicate touches of roasted pineapple, oak, spices, and an imperceptible hint of pepper in the background (after aeration). The palate is fruity, balanced, complex, racy, and offers a fine creaminess, a slight glycerol texture, a certain finesse, good structure, fine tension, and a mineral backbone. On the palate, this wine expresses notes of candied lemon, marmalade, and, more slightly, dried apricot, combined with touches of flat peach in syrup, yellow plum in syrup, candied mandarin zest, as well as a hint of physalis, beeswax, gingerbread, nutmeg, and an imperceptible touch of caramelization. Good length and lovely persistence.

The first bottle did not have the expected captivating character. Rated 17.25. The second was far superior. Yellow-green color. Fruity nose, with lovely aromas of lime and hints of oak moss. Very soft on the palate, very airy, noble, powerful, juicy. Long, flavorful, and fragrant finish. Remarkable. pH: 3.7, residual sugar: 145 g/l.

One of Barsac’s great successes. A wine of exceptional breadth and freshness, combining the year’s richness with the restraint of a refreshingly bright acidity. This blend of 90% Sémillon and 10% Sauvignon is a perfect expression of great Barsac. For enthusiasts, there will certainly be a Cuvée Madame 2009.

Medium golden yellow colour, silver reflections. Juicy tropical fruits, a hint of canned peach, nuances of saffron, delicate hint of red berries, pleasant botrytis touch. Full-bodied, elegant, powerful, sweet texture, fine acidity, orange zest on the finish, white fruit nuances in the aftertaste, very fresh and well persistent, slowly approaching its drinking window, great ageing potential. Wait another two or three years.

Dense and rich, this wine has concentrated flavors of botrytis and floral honey. The wine gives the impression of sweetness, with balancing acidity and a core of dryness. Weighty and dense, it's likely to age.