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Stephen Brook introduces a blind comparative tasting of Bordeaux's greatest sweet wines from 2001 and 2007, the most highly regarded vintages of the decade. But could be, Margaret Rand, and Michael Schuster identify the communal origine of the wine? And would that matter away?

2001 Château Coutet Premier Cru
(Barsac) (14%) - 17

SB: Gold. Opulent and complexe nose, with some fruit, oranges and some vanilia tones. There's impressive purity and vibrancy. Fine attack, fresh and sleek, concentrated but not to excess, with vibrant orange and peach flavors. A powerful wine, without being burly or heavy. Nor is it especially sweet for 2001 wich contributates to the sense of stucuture and robustness. LOng and majestic. 18.5

MR: Chewy, quite low acidity, coffee and spice. A full, fat wine bursting with flavour and richness- Sophie Dahl rather than Kate Moss. Lusciuos but structured, too. A big spicy finish, some oak; all very precise in it exuberent way. 17.5

MS: Deep gold; mature honey, wax and light-marmalade nose; moderatly concentrated, supple, medium-full wine; medium-sweet, modest complexity but still with a nice freshness to it and a good, light length. Full-mature not grand but pleasing at a lesser level. Now to 2020+. 15.5


2007 Château Coutet Premier Cru
(Barsac) (14%) - 16.5

SB: Light gold. Opulent peachy nose, with ample botrytis and some honeyed tones developing. Fresh and suave attack, moderately concentrated but has good intensity of flavor; apricots, pineapple, and tropical fruit. It may lack some weight, but the balance is attractive, with vibrancy and freshness and a light nutty finish that probably oak-derived. Good lenght. 16.5

MR: An understated wine, with a very good finish. Still quite tight on the palate, with a lot more to give; the finish is very long indeed. There's a lot of concentration here and a slight touch of alcohol. 17

MS: Mature orange-gold; ho,eyed, lightly marmaladey nose; very sweet, supple wine-moderate acidity behind the sugar, moderate complexity; notice the alcohol slightly, goog light length. Ready. Now ro 2015+. 16