One of the highlights of the vintage, the 2023 Coutet is exquisite, revealing aromas of pear, white peach, beeswax, pineapple and ripe apricot intertwined with spices and flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated yet without heaviness, it is fleshy and generous, built around an enveloping, vibrant core of fruit framed by racy acidity that extends into an endless, ethereal finish. Marrying the inherent vivacity of Barsac’s limestone terroirs with the concentration of the year, this ranks among my favorite renditions and may well be one of the finest wines produced here in recent times.
98+ points, Yohan Castaing, Wine Advocate (Mar 2026)
This delivers a frank, inviting and beautifully pure burst of pineapple in both gelée and sorbet form, holding center stage while orange blossom, elderflower, jasmine and green almond notes swirl around. Packed and dense but fresh and crackling with energy as everything spills through the lengthy finish with focus and clarity. A beauty. Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2060.
97 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Feb 2026)
Exceptional nose of white pepper, dried peaches and dried mushrooms with sweet, exuberant undertones. The palate is medium- to full-bodied and lusciously sweet, lifted by bright acidity that carries the wine to a balanced finish. Not cloying at all. 95% semillon, 4% sauvignon blanc and 1% muscadelle. Already great, but will improve substantially with time. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
97 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Dec 2025)
Superb Barsac energy and keen spice, almost Cayenne pepper with pronounced ginger, clove and both dry and fresh fig. Tasted twice with the same beguiling results, this wonderful wine exudes balance that reflects both opulence and verve (165 grams per litre of residual sugar, 3.66pH). The acidity makes this wine vivacious and mouthwatering so try with Thai curry or Szechuan cuisine - or just on its own. A vibrant, late harvest Barsac and a top wine of the vintage.
97 points, Panos Kakaviatos, Decanter (Apr 2024)
Coutet is delivering exceptional wines year after year, and this is right up there as one of the best of the 2023 vintage. Love the twist of acidity that runs right through the grated ginger and white peach, totally delicious, lingering and sleek, with fennel, anis, grilled pineapple, dried mango and saffron. Harvest between September 20 and October 11. Waves of flavour that keep you engaged and smiling.
96 points, Jane Anson (Feb 2026)