DESSERT WINE

DESSERT WINE
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  1. Coutet 2017 375ml
    Coutet 2017 375ml

    Barsac 1er Cru Classé
    Avaliable

    The 2017 Coutet, which was tasted both as a final blend and directly from several different lots in barrel, has a very well defined bouquet with pure wild honey and orange blossom aromas that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is crisp and fresh, underpinned by Coutet’s trademark acidic drive that counterbalances the intense honeyed fruit laced with orange zest and white peach. Superb. (96) NEAL MARTIN

    The 2017 Coutet is very, very good. Nuanced and beautifully textured, throughout, the 2017 has quite a bit to offer. Silky contours add finesse to the orange peel, apricot jam, mint and spice flavors. Above all else, Coutet offers terrific depth while remaining light on its feet. ANTONIO GALLONI

    2017
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
    Special Price $80.00 Regular Price $95.00
  2. Forteto della Luja Brachetto 2018 375ml
    Forteto della Luja Brachetto 2018 375ml
    Undoubtedly the best Brachetto Passito wine made in Italy, magically combining not just sweetness and lusciousness but also grace and refinement, not to mention uncommon depth, length and complexity. IAN D'AGATA

    This is a highly unusual wine, Brachetto itself isn't well known and most are made in to lightly frizzante sweet wines. Like Moscato d'Asti. This is a traditional style, still not sparkling, that has to be drunk to be understood. Brachetto smells and tastes of strawberries, the colour is the same in young wines. Floral and alluring. I always forget it's there until I see it on the shelf. One of those wines every one of our customers should try and least three or four times, a year. It is remarkably graceful and so digestible. ROSCOE
    2018
    Brachetto
    Italy
    457
  3. Coutet 2009
    Coutet 2009

    A triumph for the vintage with spices, dried mushroom, dried pineapple, peaches, and honey. Full and sweet with bright acidity and a long, intense finish. Powerful wine. This could be the best Coutet ever. JAMES SUCKLING

    The Coutet 2009 is a sensational effort from Philippe Baly and his team. It has a fragrant nose of honey, vervain tea, pineapple, frangipane and apple-blossom, well defined if needing a little more vigour at the moment. The palate is vibrant on the entry, informed by touches of apricot and orange peel, very focused and tensile towards the long, sensuous, viscous finish. It has the same minerality exuded by Doisy-Daene and reminds me of a stellar '62 tasted just a few weeks previously. A magnificent Coutet. (98) NEAL MARTIN

    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. (97) DECANTER, tasted 2020


    2009
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  4. Fronton red La Colombiere Vinum Negrette 2020
    Fronton red La Colombiere Vinum Negrette 2020
    STAGE 17 -  MOUNTAIN - SAINT-GAUDENS > PEYRAGUDES 130 KM

    Just 30 mins north of Toulouse, some of France's rarest vines are painstakingly nursed back from extinction by husband and wife team Diane and Philippe Cauvin. Diane took the reigns of the family estate after learning viticulture and completing a tour de force throughout French vineyards including Burgundy. All made by hand with particular focus on the native negrette and biodnymically farmed since 2006.

    Cranberries and sour cherry with a white pepper top-note greet you from the sunny and warmth filled glass. There is a generosity in the mouth with fleshy red fruits, the lightest touch of citrus pith and red cherries. The mid-weight style works well and no oak, just concrete tanks preserves the fresh cut flavours on the palate nicely.
    2008
    France
  5. Suduiraut 2010
    Suduiraut 2010

    Sauternes (1st Growth)

    The Chateau Suduiraut has a comparatively rich, botrytized bouquet with dried honey, pineapple and a touch of Seville orange marmalade, with exquisite definition and focus. The palate is well-balanced, with a viscous texture and a good level of botrytis, demonstrating fine minerality and tautness. Dried mango, quince and spice all interlace the focused finish, which is long in the mouth. Tasted against its peers, this has a higher level of intensity and focus. A superb follow-up to the sensational 2009.  ROBERT PARKER

    One of the sweeter wines of the vintage, but in fact with exactly the same residual as the usually more conservative Yquem, this has tremendous Suduiraut individuality, in its high tones of tensile fruit, all fresh and citrus, nothing heavy, yet ending very smooth and plush with nothing to stop it retaining this balance for many many years. A strong contender for Wine of the Vintage. BILL BLATCH, Bordeaux Gold

    2010
    Dessert
    France
    481
  6. Clos Joliette J de Joliette NV
    Clos Joliette J de Joliette NV

    Regarded as one of the premier producers in Jurançon, Clos Joliette was founded in 1929, when the Migne family cleared forest in a natural southeast-facing amphitheater to plant a hectare of vines.
    The result has been an incredible selection of complex and aromatic off-dry wines, reflecting the reputation Antoine Gerbelle bestowed on the domaine as “the Romanee Conti of the South-West France”.

    What makes these wines so sought after is the combination of three unique aspects. First, its location. With only 1.85 hectares Clos Joliette sits at 300m altitude, on the slopes of the hill of Beauvallon (Commune of Jurancon). The vines were planted in 1929 by Madame Migné and exposed to the East and South-East in a natural amphitheater, allowing the grapes to capture the gentle morning sun, rather than afternoon heat.

    Second, an atypical terroir made of clay-silica, pudding stones, Ponto-Pliocene pebbles and crossed through by a vein of iron.

    Third, the wine itself - a single varietal 100% Petit Manseng, treated with minimal intervention throughout vinification, no fining or filtration, and long aging in oak barrels for 4 to 6 years.

    NV
    White
    France
    484
    $395.00
  7. Joliette 2012
    Joliette 2012


    Regarded as one of the premier producers in Jurançon, Clos Joliette was founded in 1929, when the Migne family cleared forest in a natural southeast-facing amphitheater to plant a hectare of vines.
    The result has been an incredible selection of complex and aromatic off-dry wines, reflecting the reputation Antoine Gerbelle bestowed on the domaine as “the Romanee Conti of the South-West France”.

    What makes these wines so sought after is the combination of three unique aspects. First, its location. With only 1.85 hectares Clos Joliette sits at 300m altitude, on the slopes of the hill of Beauvallon (Commune of Jurancon). The vines were planted in 1929 by Madame Migné and exposed to the East and South-East in a natural amphitheater, allowing the grapes to capture the gentle morning sun, rather than afternoon heat.

    Second, an atypical terroir made of clay-silica, pudding stones, Ponto-Pliocene pebbles and crossed through by a vein of iron.

    Third, the wine itself - a single varietal 100% Petit Manseng, treated with minimal intervention throughout vinification, no fining or filtration, and long aging in oak barrels for 4 to 6 years.

    2012
    White
    France
    $750.00
  8. Marco de Bartoli Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC Marsala (Grillo) 1988 500ml
    Marco de Bartoli Marsala Vergine Riserva DOC Marsala (Grillo) 1988 500ml
    The only vergine riserva ever made by de Bartoli who was encouraged to try this style by Berry Bros and Rudd
    The 1988 Marsala Vergine Riserva mixes amber with red hues, lifting up dusty and savory with notes of cave-aged gouda, quince, baked apple and clove. With time in the glass, it gains in volume, evolving to show rich dark chocolates and dried roses. There are depths of texture here, yet it's wonderfully balanced by vibrant acidity as salted caramel and exotic spices wash across the palate, leaving a coating of mineral-drenched orchard fruits under an air of burnt sugar and tobacco. The experience goes on and on, as minutes can go by, and you're still not just tasting but feeling the 1988's glycerol heft lingering incredibly long. This edition of the Vergine Riserva was bottled in 2019, which is stated on the front label. ERIC GUIDO

    Toasted hazelnuts, mahogany, hard cheese touches, toast and spice. Touch of sweet fruit to enter, then toasted hazelnut and walnut. Spice, some chew, with a very long, pain d'épices and toasted hazelnut finish. Salty tang. 19% TIM JACKSON MW
    1988
    Dessert, Grillo
    Italy
    482
  9. Marco de Bartoli  Marsala Oro Superiore Riserva DOC Marsala Superiore (Grillo) 1988 500ml
    Marco de Bartoli Marsala Oro Superiore Riserva DOC Marsala Superiore (Grillo) 1988 500ml
    The 1988 Marsala Superiore Oro Riserva is a dark amber color with orange hues. It opens with a spice-box bouquet that takes all the confections of Autumn and Christmas blended with dried apricots, peaches and cedar shavings. It's silky smooth yet lifted and decidedly savory, with a burst of ground ginger and sour citrus complicating its remnants of tart orchard fruit. Butterscotch comes together with clove and golden raisin as the 1988 finishes impossibly long and potent. It shows just a touch of forgivable heat as suggestions of hazelnut linger on and on. More like a brown spirit than a wine, the 1988 is irresistible. ERIC GUIDO
    1988
    Dessert, Grillo
    Italy
    482
  10. Le Tertre du Lys dOr 2019
    Le Tertre du Lys dOr 2019

    Shimmers medium gold. Vibrant notes of toffee, ginger and baked pineapple aromas waft from the glass. It's still incredibly youthful with touches of honey starting to emerge adding another layer to the luscious palate. Spiced nectarines mix with subtle hints of marmalade and umami notes of white button mushrooms in the mouth, alongside ginger, toffee and apple tarte tatin flavours - it's intriguing and incredibly delicious. The finish is mouthwatering, a trickle of acidity cleanses on its way out. This generously sized bottle of Sauternes should be shared lavishly with friends and a plate of cheese. Don't hesitate here. GABRIELLE POY, PWS

     

    2019
    Dessert
    France
    481
  11. Lafaurie Peyraguey 2017 375ml
    Lafaurie Peyraguey 2017 375ml

    A wine of stunning beauty, the 2017 Lafaurie-Peyraguey is so remarkably vivid from the very first taste. All the elements simply fall into place effortlessly. Orchard fruit, tangerine, passion fruit mint and exotic floral overtones all grace this precise, wonderfully inviting Sauternes from Silvio Denz. Lafaurie-Peyraguey is pure and total finesse. (97) ANTONIO GALLONI

    A wine with fresh, clean botrytis influence and lemon curd, sliced apricot, dried apricot and apricot confiture. This has striking purity with such intense flavors of peach and apricot custard, apricot pastry and a very elegant and supple, fleshy-fruit texture with acidity that holds such freshness on the finish. Elegance and freshness meets power and purity. Concentrated in every respect - flavors, sugar and acidity. Drink now or age for a considerable time, as you prefer. (97) JAMES SUCKLING

    2017
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    Special Price $130.00 Regular Price $155.00 As low as $123.00
  12. Coutet 2016
    Coutet 2016

    One of the top sweet wines in this report is the 2016 Château Coutet, which has the vintage's plush, opulent style as well as thrilling purity and good acids. Pineapple, white flowers, sugared peach, and honeyed notes all emerge from this full-bodied, layered, balanced Barsac that's already impossible to resist yet will evolve gracefully 2+ decades. (97) JEB DUNNUCK

    The vibrant, tropical fruit-coulis character draws you into this concentrated and elegant Barsac. Then the crisp acidity and a wave of lemon and mineral character comes through, driving the finish out in the direction of the horizon. (95) JAMES SUCKLING

    Oh that's lovely. Ginger and sumac spice, and a gorgeous richness with the perfect balance of minerality. Rich but pure botrytis character and gently curling smoky notes leap out of the glass. Amazing persistency, easily one of the best wines in the tasting. This is excellent; succulent and mouthwatering. (96) DECANTER

    With coaxing, the pale lemon colored 2016 Coutet slowly unfurls to give a myriad of preserved lemons, pineapple pastry, almond croissant, fresh ginger and lime blossoms scents with nuances of chalk dust, white pepper, star anise and cedar. Rich, seductive and yet exquisitely balanced, the satiny-textured palate has layer upon layer of citrus and savory notions, finishing very long and spicy. (97) WINE ADVOCATE

    2016
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  13. Lafaurie Peyraguey 2010 375ml
    Lafaurie Peyraguey 2010 375ml

    Sauternes (1st Growth)

    The Chateau Lafaurie Peyraguey has an ebullient nose of Tropicana, dried honey and quince that intensifies in the glass whilst maintaining impressive definition. The palate is very well-balanced with superb tension and focus, a Sauternes built of minerality and poise, leading to a citrus, almost spicy finish that leaves the mouth tingling with pleasure.  NEAL MARTIN

    Over the past 10 years or so, this estate has been producing finer and finer wines. We are now a long way from the heavier styles of the 90s. This '10 is a lively, fine, fresh-kiwi / quince-fruited example, all minerality and vibrancy, with controlled sweetness and fine acidity, and finishing with a lovely almost Nairac-type tanginess.  BILL BLATCH

    2010
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    Special Price $105.00 Regular Price $125.00 As low as $99.00
  14. Chateau d'Yquem 2021
    Chateau d'Yquem 2021

    Dreamy, subtle aromas of dried fruit such as apricots and mangoes, but also fresh lemons and pears. Then there are caramel and tart tatin undertones with some bananas, pineapple, tangerines and other tropical fruit. Full-bodied, yet it remains vivid and compact, giving it a lightness even though it is really structured. The tannins are throughout the palate but blend in perfectly, giving it a solid presence, like a a diamond. It's tight at the end, but you know that it will linger for ages, with a lightly chewy and intellectual finish. Touches of sweetness, cloves and bitterness to make it interesting. Dynamic. (100) JAMES SUCKLING

    I find this more direct and intense than the 2020. Yet this is also a wine that exudes balance and harmony, even at this nascent stage. Beautifully limpid and with a disguised natural power. Supremely aerial. Green apple skin. Saffron. Fresh ginger. A hint of confit ginger too. Lime. White grapefruit. A touch of fleur de sel. Marzipan. White almonds. Mango. Guava. Passionfruit. Pineapple - entirely pure and crisply fresh. All in great purity. This is floral, too. Mimosa. Buttercup (almost the leitmotif here). On the palate I find this tight and tense, yet so incredibly softly textured. And, above all, intense and captivating. Sparklingly striking and dynamic - and held together by the salinity as much as by the acidity, the two in fact working together, giving this an incredible aging potential. Delicate in its intensity. Sapid and with lovely waves of saline-inflected juicy fluidity. Even now this is a wine of very considerable complexity - built from assembling the finest botrytised grapes from the best of the couronne (the crown) of Bommes (with the Château of Yquem at the epicentre). This finishes with the most glorious bitter sugar note - burnt caramel just perfectly on the edge of bitterness. So accessible but so totally ageless and, for now, almost cool in its freshness. (99) COLIN HAY, Drinks Business

    Beautiful primary fruit boasting tropical complexity: mango, pineapple. Saltiness, according to the winemaker - and there is definitely savoury contrast in there. The marvel of this wine is its completeness - the stitching is so fine between the sugar, acidity, rich fruit and length. Opens up in the glass, with white chocolate, caramel, clotted cream, mixed peel, five-spice. As prestigious as ever, and so gratifying to drink right now. (19) JANCIS ROBINSON MW

    The complex aromatic profile explodes from the glass with pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, tangerine peels, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit in the aromatic profile. The palate resides perfectly in the middle of hedonism, and vibrancy. Clearly, there is ample sweetness, but the racy acidity provides incredible lift, energy, and length. The fruit expresses purity in its tangerines, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapples all slathered in honey. This is one of those Yquem's that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine, or due to its vibrancy, with a diverse array of savory, and spicy dishes. Produced from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 148 Grams per liter, 14% ABV, 3.79 pH. Yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place over an extended time, September 12 - October 27, with 4 passes in total. As you can see, the harvest was quite long, but picking the heart of vintage took place mid-to late October. (98) WINE CELLAR INSIDER

    2021
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
    Special Price $995.00 Regular Price $1,260.00
  15. Chateau d'Yquem 2021 375ml
    Chateau d'Yquem 2021 375ml

    Dreamy, subtle aromas of dried fruit such as apricots and mangoes, but also fresh lemons and pears. Then there are caramel and tart tatin undertones with some bananas, pineapple, tangerines and other tropical fruit. Full-bodied, yet it remains vivid and compact, giving it a lightness even though it is really structured. The tannins are throughout the palate but blend in perfectly, giving it a solid presence, like a a diamond. It's tight at the end, but you know that it will linger for ages, with a lightly chewy and intellectual finish. Touches of sweetness, cloves and bitterness to make it interesting. Dynamic. (100) JAMES SUCKLING

    I find this more direct and intense than the 2020. Yet this is also a wine that exudes balance and harmony, even at this nascent stage. Beautifully limpid and with a disguised natural power. Supremely aerial. Green apple skin. Saffron. Fresh ginger. A hint of confit ginger too. Lime. White grapefruit. A touch of fleur de sel. Marzipan. White almonds. Mango. Guava. Passionfruit. Pineapple - entirely pure and crisply fresh. All in great purity. This is floral, too. Mimosa. Buttercup (almost the leitmotif here). On the palate I find this tight and tense, yet so incredibly softly textured. And, above all, intense and captivating. Sparklingly striking and dynamic - and held together by the salinity as much as by the acidity, the two in fact working together, giving this an incredible aging potential. Delicate in its intensity. Sapid and with lovely waves of saline-inflected juicy fluidity. Even now this is a wine of very considerable complexity - built from assembling the finest botrytised grapes from the best of the couronne (the crown) of Bommes (with the Château of Yquem at the epicentre). This finishes with the most glorious bitter sugar note - burnt caramel just perfectly on the edge of bitterness. So accessible but so totally ageless and, for now, almost cool in its freshness. (99) COLIN HAY, Drinks Business

    Beautiful primary fruit boasting tropical complexity: mango, pineapple. Saltiness, according to the winemaker - and there is definitely savoury contrast in there. The marvel of this wine is its completeness - the stitching is so fine between the sugar, acidity, rich fruit and length. Opens up in the glass, with white chocolate, caramel, clotted cream, mixed peel, five-spice. As prestigious as ever, and so gratifying to drink right now. (19) JANCIS ROBINSON MW

    The complex aromatic profile explodes from the glass with pineapple, papaya, apricot, Meyer lemon, tangerine peels, caramel, honey, vanilla, saffron, cashews, and candied grapefruit in the aromatic profile. The palate resides perfectly in the middle of hedonism, and vibrancy. Clearly, there is ample sweetness, but the racy acidity provides incredible lift, energy, and length. The fruit expresses purity in its tangerines, oranges, mango, papaya, banana, and pineapples all slathered in honey. This is one of those Yquem's that can be enjoyed either as a sweet wine, or due to its vibrancy, with a diverse array of savory, and spicy dishes. Produced from a blend of 65% Semillon and 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 148 Grams per liter, 14% ABV, 3.79 pH. Yields were only 8 hectoliters per hectare. The harvest took place over an extended time, September 12 - October 27, with 4 passes in total. As you can see, the harvest was quite long, but picking the heart of vintage took place mid-to late October. (98) WINE CELLAR INSIDER

    2021
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
    Special Price $495.00 Regular Price $630.00
  16. Coutet 2019 375ml
    Coutet 2019 375ml

    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) DECANTER

    The 2019 Coutet has a luscious bouquet with scents of dried honey, honeysuckle and orange pith, intense and well defined. The palate is built around Coutet's trademark line of acidity, an underlying zestiness cutting through the unctuous honeyed fruit with a welcome orange rind and marmalade note on the persistent finish. Excellent. (96) NEAL MARTIN

    The pale lemon-gold colored 2019 Coutet is a thrill ride from the get-go, exploding from the glass with fantastically intense scents of tangerine peel, lime blossoms and lemon marmalade over a core of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger, ripe apricots and clover honey plus suggestions of chanterelles and musk perfume. The palate is equally electric and exhilarating, prancing around the palate with a whole myriad of candied citrus, stone fruit and citrus flavors, charged by a racy backbone of acidity, finishing beautifully textured and with an epically long firework display of minerals. Apart from all that, it is pretty darn delicious. (97) WINE ADVOCATE

     

    2019
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  17. Chateau d'Yquem 2010
    Chateau d'Yquem 2010
    Sauternes (First Growth)

    Picked predominantly over 10 days from October 14, the 2010 d’Yquem has 141gms/L residual sugar and pH 3.80. It is a slow-burner, the nose understated at first but unfurling with each passing moment with subtle scents of freshly sliced apricots, Clementine, clear honey and white flowers. There is an underlying minerality that really defines this bouquet. The palate is similar to the nose, revealing hidden facets with almost each swirl of the glass – orange blossom, limestone, white peach and honeysuckle. This is such a precise d’Yquem; it is after you have swallowed the wine that one comprehends just how brilliant it is. NEAL MARTIN

    At the first tastings this vintage was often compared, on account of its liveliness, to the wonderful ’88. The same kind of vibrancy and “nerve” was mingling into the botrytis complexity in a similar way.  Now, whilst it has retained all these vibrant qualities, the wine has clearly softened and the comparison should maybe now include a touch of ’89?  Whatever, this is a great vintage of Yquem, in a prettier style to the monumental keeper vintages such as 09 or 05. BILL BLATCH

    Drink 2025-2055. ‘2010 was a cool year for us.’  Winter and autumn cold, good dry, warm summer.  Very healthy grapes, though quite a bit of rain on the flowering.  A bit of coulure on Sauvignon so less than usual in the blend, just 13% compared to the usual 20%.  Pale gold with slight greenness.  Gorgeous, classic nose.  Pear juice a go-go.  Absolutely stunning freshness as well as all the botrytis.  Classic.  Real punchy perfect savoury Sauternes.  Zesty and lovely with some chew on the end.  No shortage of botrytis.  Very distinctive and much less sweet than 2009.  (155 g/l in 2009, 141 g/l in 2010).  Refined finish.  Finished 5 Nov.  Five passes.  Real punch and zest.  Grapefruit peel.  But not a massive sweet bomb.  Alcohol 13.55%. JANCIS ROBINSON

    PLEASE NOTE THIS WINE IS OFFERED EN PRIMEUR AND YOU WILL BE CHARGED THE FINAL (NOW) PRICE LESS 20% WITH THE BALANCE DUE WHEN THE WINE ARRIVES IN 2013.
    2010
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
    $1,615.00
  18. de Fargues 1986
    de Fargues 1986
    Fairly deep gold-tinged color. Superripe aromas of pineapple, cooked apple, honey and white raisin. Huge, thick and three-dimensional; shows a powerfully honeyed character and deep peachy fruit in the mouth. Almost aggressively young today, with the chewy character and uncanny richness shown by a number of these '90s. Slight heat and a note of mint on the very strong back end. This will require another five to seven years to reach its full potential and should be long-lived. STEPHEN TANZER, vinous

    After a scorching summer, the 1990 de Fargues harvest began early (on September 18) and the fruit was picked over 4 tries until October 10 – the earliest harvest on record. It is the most powerful of the trilogy. Delivering 130 grams-per-liter residual sugar at 13.6% alcohol, it has a prodigious bouquet of over-ripe oranges, toffee apple, chlorophyll and even a faint hint of chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with a luscious ripe mandarin and apricot-tinged entry, building wonderfully to a botrytis-laden finish that fans out like a firework, leaving traces of cumin and dried orange peel on the long finish. The ’90 de Fargues is simply superb in every way, a multi-faceted wonder. NEIL MARTIN
    1989
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  19. Coutet 2021 375ml
    Coutet 2021 375ml

    Lots of honeyed orange, caramelized pineapple, and honeyed flower notes emerge from the 2021 Château Coutet, a medium-bodied, pretty, vibrant Barsac with plenty of character. It should easily be an outstanding wine. JEB DUNNUCK

    Fantastic energy and length to this young Sauternes, with dried-apple, apple-pie, spice and cinnamon character . Medium body, medium sweetness and a vibrant finish. (96) JAMES SUCKLING

    The 2021 Coutet has another refined and (for Coutet) low-key bouquet that gradually finds its voice: quince, white peach, pineapple and beeswax scents. A faint hint of saffron that surfaces with aeration. The palate is well-balanced and quite viscous, bearing superb weight and a clean and pure, beautifully defined, botrytis-rich finish. Touches of vanilla emerge on the aftertaste. Excellent. NEAL MARTIN

    Slightly toasted orange rind and vanilla caramel on the nose. Lovely density and unctuousness on the palate, really quite rich and fleshy with peach, sweet pineapple and toasted almond notes on the palate. Mouthwatering and racy, but also textured, balanced and structured. A great effort with excellent ageing potential. DECANTER

    Great quality, bright and concentrated, dried apricots, mandain peel, fig, pineapple and candied ginger, with a touch of bitterness and a mouthwatering finish. This is gorgeous, one to look out for. (95) JANE ANSON

    Pale medium colour. Attractive verbena, camomile, honey aromas with crème brûlée notes. Refined and beautiful apricot glacé, verbena lime honeyed flavours, fine chalky hint al dente textures and fresh linear acidity. Bittersweet notes at the finish. (96) ANDREW CAILLARD MW

    2020
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  20. Coutet 2020
    Coutet 2020

    The 2020 Château Coutet is flat-out gorgeous, with a concentrated, powerful style in its caramelized orange, honeyed flowers, pineapple upside down cake, and toasty, spicy nuances. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated, and layered, it nevertheless stays focused, pure, and precise, with laser-like precision and vibrancy on the palate. This tour de force in Sauternes is going to pretty much just knock your socks off over the coming two decades. (97) JEB DUNNUCK

    A signature Coutet nose with burnt orange, caramelised peaches and floral flecks. Thick and intense, really lovely weight on the palate, deep yet juicy with high acidity that gives a tang to the palate. Lovely layers of sweetness, acidity and richness - concentrated and intense. Classy and stylish as always. Not as dazzling at this point as the 2019 was but this is still a lovely wine with plenty of enjoyment on offer. (95) DECANTER

    The 2020 Coutet has a pale lemon-gold color, waltzing out of the glass with energetic notes of lemon tart, pink grapefruit, green mango and lime blossoms, with hints of chopped almonds, clover honey, candle wax and straw, plus a waft of sea spray. The palate is all class, featuring ethereal intensity and amazing poise, enveloped in a satiny texture and seamless acidity, finishing long and mineral laced. Currently, while it is just a tick or so down on the impressive 2019, I love the restraint and energy of this 2020 and wouldn't be surprised if it eventually spreads its wings and surpasses its showier sibling over time (96) WINE ADVOCATE

    2020
    Sem/Sauv Blend
    France
    481
  21. Disznoko Late Harvest Furmint 2020 500ml
    Disznoko Late Harvest Furmint 2020 500ml

    László Mészáros makes this late-harvest wine from mainly botrytised Furmint grapes (along with small amounts of Zéta and Hárslevelu), which have shrivelled to around half of their original volume. Termed Késói Szüretelésú in Hungarian, there is no berry-by-berry selection here as there is for Aszú wines. Instead, selected botrytised bunches and grape clusters were harvested and macerated briefly before being pressed. The wine was racked into used French oak (including barrels from Disznóko's sister property, Château Suduiraut in Sauternes), where it matured for six months.

    The short aging has kept Furmint's pungent and fruity aromas and flavours intact and guarded its energy and freshness. The palate has a fine balance of candied fruit, honeycomb sweetness and acacia. This wine has residual sugar of around 130 g/L, which is well-balanced by punchy acidity and gentle grip, giving a vibrant and modern expression of Tokaji.

    The balance and freshness mean you don't necessarily have to serve this with dessert. In fact, in Hungary, this kind of wine is often consumed as an aperitif or with goat’s cheese or pâté on toast.

    2017
    Tokaji
    Hungary
    491
per page