▴ Château Coutet 2009
At the end of every year I think back and remember the wines which have really made an impression. In 2020, Château Coutet is one of my stand-out wines. What makes this Sauternes worth talking about is its extraordinary energy. It is a jive at full pelt, it’s an electric eel, it’s just explosive. Yet, for all its intense energy and power, there is control and balance, on the palate there is a ferris wheel of ripe flavours--pineapple, candied orange peel, apricot, nectarine--with a grip and freshness which demands another sip.
75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Harvested between September 18th to October 22nd 2009 in 5 manual pickings, fermented in 100% new oak barrels and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. A truly great Coutet. Around £56 a bottle. Corney and Barrow, Millesima.
Dec 2020, SK