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.—J.M.

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.

Intense, fresh, vivid and minerally to smell; lovely balance, intensely sweet and with a fine fresh acidity, concentrated in flavour, yet remaining delicate all the time, with classic Coutet finesse and delicacy; long, refined and racy, with beautiful definition, and excellent length of both fruit and aroma on the finish. A very fine Coutet, in a classic Barsac mould. [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2012]

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.

Drink 2021-2035 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. (JH) 14.2%