2019 Coutet (Barsac)

The 2019 Coutet has a very intense bouquet of wild honey, saffron, dried pineapple chunks and a touch of cold, wet stones, all imbued with palpable joie-de-vivre. The taut, fresh palate is underpinned by a silver bead of acidity (always one of this Barsac`s leitmotifs), offering clementine, peach and nectarine toward the persistent finish. A joy. 95 points

Intense exotic fruits abound, powerful apricot, nectarine, white flowers and white truffles with excellent bitter almonds on the finish that works so well as a counterpoint to the luxurious texture. I love this, silky and seductive yet strict. Philippe Dhalluin of Mouton does the blend here since 2009 along with the family. 97 points

75% Samillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, 2% Muscadelle. Barrel sample. Cloudy. Bitter-orange citrus notes on the nose and palate. Extremely pure, the fruit and texture suave and gourmand. Zesty and long at the same time with a tangy, botrytised note on the finish. Lovely weight and balance. 17.5 points