2018 Ch Coutet 1er Cru Half Bottle 375ml, Sauternes

There is clear quality here, with good persistency and some lovely minerality, if relatively little acidity. It has a strong golden colour, suggesting concentration, followed by luscious fruit flavours through the palate of apricot, peach, nectarine and cantaloupe melon, and bitter herbs on the finish. 50% new oak was used. A yield of just 3hl/ha.Drinking Window 2022 - 2040

94 points Jane Anson Decanter

The 2018 Coutet has a very intense bouquet with marmalade, clementines, mango and light apple blossom scents, all delivered with exceptional precision and delineation. The palate is vibrant and tensile on the opening thanks to a killer line of acidity that slices through the viscous fruit. There is so much tangible energy in this Coutet. This comes highly recommended.

94 points Neal Martin Vinous Drink 2021-2050

Château Coutet is one of Barsac’s great historic estates, ranked Premier Cru Classé in the 1855 classification. The property’s name derives from the Gascon word for knife, a rather appropriate reference to the fresh, cutting acidity that has long distinguished Coutet from some richer Sauternes. Today the estate is run by the Baly family, who have overseen the château since 1977, maintaining its reputation for beautifully balanced botrytised wines with impressive ageing potential.

Barsac’s limestone and clay soils play an important role in that freshness, while the meeting of the cool Ciron and warmer Garonne rivers encourages the autumn mists necessary for noble rot. The 2018 vintage produced relatively small quantities of sweet wine, with careful picking essential. Coutet combines Sémillon with Sauvignon Blanc and a little Muscadelle, giving luscious fruit and botrytis complexity without sacrificing its characteristic lift.

Bright golden yellow, with apricot, white peach and pineapple joined by orange marmalade and lemon curd. Acacia honey, saffron and ginger follow, with hints of vanilla and almond adding complexity. The palate is luscious and silky, carrying apricot preserve, citrus and honey through a rich centre, while bright acidity provides the necessary counterpoint. Candied orange and saffron linger on a long finish with a lovely citrus snap.

Seared foie gras with quince is the classic, but blue cheese with pear, apricot and almond tart, crème brûlée or spicy prawns with mango and chilli would all be excellent. Our pick is the blue cheese and pear. And at 375ml, there is just enough to make an ordinary Tuesday evening considerably less ordinary.

Cellaring: Beautiful now, with development ahead to 2045+.