The Wine Doctor – Bordeaux 2023

Château Coutet 2023: 96-98/100
A blend of 95% Semillon, 4% Sauvignon Blanc and 1% Muscadelle here. Such an incisive character on the nose here, melding orange pith – classically Coutet – and preserved lemon with crushed minerals and smoke. This carries through nicely to the palate, which is all glossy and sweet but controlled texture, with mango sorbet and crushed peach, set with brighter nuances of herb, white peach, plum and a heady dose of infused minerals. This is absolutely delicious, with sweetness and freshness but also energy and mineral drive, especially into the finish, which has great length. This will be a brilliant Barsac given time. Tasted twice. The residual sugar is 165 g/l, and the alcohol is 13.5%.

Chris Kissack