Inside Bordeaux – 2022 In Bottle Report: Whites

Château Coutet 2022: 94/100
Low yields but well expressed juiciness here, along with luscious texture of apricot, citrus, pineapple, sage, mint leaf, liqourice, really impressive complexity and depth of flavour, kick of slate minerality on finish. An upscore from En Primeur – more proof that Barsac is the place to look in this vintage. Harvest September 26 to October 28

Opalie 2022: 94/100
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.

Jane Anson