Coutet 2008 (750ML)

92 WA / 90+ VM / 90 WS / 16.5 JR

Tasted single blind against its peers. This has a very floral, exuberant bouquet with white peach and grapefruit soaring from the glass. It is very pure and vivacious. The palate is harmonious with what feels like more sucrosity than on previous occasions. It is not viscous in texture, suggesting high acidity to slice through all that sweetness (a typical Coutet trait, as it turns out.) The finish displays touches of ginger and dried orange rind that linger nicely in the mouth, although the general impression is that it needs several years to “calm down.” Tasted January 2012. - Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Bright yellow-gold. Sexy cool spices, vanillin oak and a whiff of red berries on the nose. Moderately thick in the mouth but not yet expressive or complex, showing restrained tropical and stone fruit flavors lifted by a floral element and complicated by a hint of spicy oak. Not a particularly concentrated style but gained in texture in the glass. Finishes subtle and pure, with hints of marzipan and smoke. I'd hold this for at least five or six years. - Stephen Tanzer, Vinous Media

A bright, high-toned style, with glazed pear and peach fruit aromas and flavors backed by flashes of candied green plum and heather honey. Quite sweet on the finish, but long and pure. Drink now through 2021. 2,915 cases made. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Mid gold. Lightly floral and strong. Lovely texture. Round and easy to love already. - Jancis Robinson