2011 Château Coutet
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Tasting notes
Almost herbaceous character on the nose with aromas of grapefruit, white peach and apricot. Well balanced with notes of honey and quince rounding off with a creamy finish. FINE+RARE
Critic scores
Jeannie Cho Lee MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Coutet is simpler on the nose compared to the 2010, with dried honey, white chocolate and a touch of elderflower. The palate is well balanced with a viscous opening, fresh and vibrant, with a gentle build towards a composed quince and spice finish. This improves with aeration, so do not be afraid to decant this Coutet. Tasted from an ex-château bottle served at the estate.
The 2011 Coutet comes across a little one-dimensional on the nose, with honeysuckle and quince, but missing some complexity. The palate is well balanced with a gorgeous texture, fine acidity, very pure and harmonious with quince and touches of peach towards the poised finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the annual 10-Year-On tasting.
Tasted blind. Deep orangey gold. There’s something odd on the nose – furniture polish? Tea leaves? Lots of sweetness assails the palate initially and then the acidity comes charging on. It certainly isn’t yet integrated but it may well get there. Rather tiringly sweet at the moment. (JR)
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.