1973 Coutet
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Tasting notes
The 1973 Coutet has a simple nose at first, but after two or three hours, it magically blossoms with lovely marmalade and dried mango scents intermingling with candlewax and saffron. The palate is bitter on the entry, quite sharp at first, yet fresh, and again, it gains weight with aeration, never gaining enormous complexity although vivacious and elegant after a couple of hours. I never thought I would advise you to decant a 1973 Sauternes...but give this Coutet a couple of hours in a decanter. Tasted from an ex-château bottle served at the estate.
Critic scores
Neal Martin
About the producer

Classified as a First Growth in 1855, this Barsac property has a history stretching back to the 14th century. Today it has 38.5 hectares of vineyard, producing brilliant sweet wines cut by taut acidity. In certain years, it produces Cuvée Madame, pure botrytised Semillon from its oldest vines.