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.

(95-97 points) Barrel Sample. An elegant wine, aristocratic in its poise and restraint yet it is full of great richness. The botrytis is dominant now, giving the dry core a push of density. The more exuberant side of this great wine will take its time but is sure to be there. ROGER VOSS

(WA 94-96+ points) 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. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown

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.

Dark gold in colour, this is concentrated from start to finish, lusciously sweet in texture, burnt toffee, mango and caramelised ginger, lifted by citrus, white flower and pink grapefruit notes. Harvest from September 16 through to October 26, with six successive passes through the rows.

The attention-seeking nose grabs you due to all of its honeysuckle, candied pineapple, orange blossoms, apricots, and mango drizzled with honey, and spice. The wine is perfectly balanced between all of its sweetness and vibrancy, leaving you with ample freshness to provide lift and cut to all of its honeyed, tropical fruits. Drink from 2023-2050.

The 2020 Coutet has a promising nose with dried honey, nectarine, Clementine and saffron scents, though it doesn't quite have the complexity of the best Sauternes. The palate is well balanced with a tangy opening, fine depth and better acidity than others in this flight. Marmalade and quince tones emerge toward the finish as this lingers nicely in the mouth. Very fine. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. -- Neal Martin