2022 Opalie de Coutet
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Opalie certainly has one of the better aromatics, quite complex with touches of beeswax and linden, well defined with a little more energy than its peers. The palate is well balanced, with a welcome hint of bitter lemon, good weight and a slightly tangy finish. Very fine. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Diam 5 closure. Tasted blind. Smoky Sauvignon nose. Markedly high in acidity and energy. Still youthful and made deliberately to age and refresh. (JR)
The 2022 Opalie has fine mineralité on the open nose, with dew-speckled green apple mixed with pear and nectarine. The palate is balanced with Clementine and pear notes. It's not complex but has a pleasing waxy texture and decent length.
Unusual for a dry white from Sauternes to have so much Sauvignon Blanc in the blend, and this together with the Barsac soils means you get a joyful white that has plenty of contrast between rich lemon confit and pink grapefruit against lime blossom, white pepper, saffron, even traces of truffle. Harvest August 25 and 26. This was one of my top picks En Primeur, and it continues to impress. A buy.
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.