2024 Chateau Coutet Premier Cru Classe, Barsac

Delivers texture and flesh, love the aromatics that are sweet without being heavy, this has restraint and carefully-measured fleshy fruits, nectarine, pineapple, white peaches, lime zest, gunsmoke, perfectly-judged acidities. One of the wines of the vintage, great stuff from Philippe and Aline Baly.

Pale yellow with a shimmering glow, this wine captivates with a highly floral nose, weaving delicate threads of pear, zesty citrus, and the telltale roasted nuances of Botrytis. On the palate, it unfurls with vibrant energy, marrying juicy mango and pineapple with a taut, mineral-driven core, typical of Barsac. 135g/l residual sugar.

The 2024 Coutet was picked over six tries although the final ones were not used with 134 g/L residual sugar this year. It has quite an intense bouquet with beautifully defined lemon thyme and light peach aromas. The palate is well balanced with a vivacious opening, lively apricot and quince notes and concentration effortlessly offset by the silver thread of acidity. Composed and persistent on the finish, this is a superb Coutet.

98.9% Sémillon, 1% Sauvignon Blanc and 0.1% Muscadelle. Cask sample. Pale gold hue. Citrus notes on the nose. Palate rich but restrained, the fruit present. Clean, fresh finish. Less overt botrytis but balanced. (JL)