2014 - Coutet, Barsac

The 2014 Coutet has a slightly muddled nose, evident on two bottles that were opened. It eventually sorts itself out, scents of wild honey, dandelion, nettle, quince and melted wax. The palate is very well balanced and showed much more composure than the nose. This displays Coutet’s trademark crisp acidity, quite tensile, very pure with a long and tender viscous finish. There is a very good wine here but I just don’t think it showed on the day. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.

75% Sémillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle. Tasted blind. Unevolved, mildly spicy nose, then masses of sweetness and masses of acidity. A dramatic but youthful wine with a promising spicy future. Lots of chew. (JR)