Wines Sauternes Château Haut Coustet - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Château Haut Coustet 2021 is a classic example of Sauternes, the renowned sweet wine from Bordeaux’s Sauternais sub-region. Crafted predominantly from Sémillon, often blended with Sauvignon Blanc and a touch of Muscadelle, this 2021 vintage showcases the unique influence of noble rot, or Botrytis cinerea. This natural phenomenon concentrates sugars and aromas during autumn mists, resulting in a luscious, aromatic white wine. The winemaking process involves careful hand-harvesting in multiple passes to select perfectly botrytised berries, followed by gentle pressing and fermentation, commonly in oak barrels to enhance complexity. The final wine is golden in hue, with intense aromas of honey, apricot, candied citrus, and subtle floral hints, balanced by fresh acidity.

Sauternes lies in the southern part of Bordeaux, straddling the Garonne and Ciron rivers. This specific geography creates morning mists in autumn, essential for developing noble rot. The region’s gravelly and clay-limestone soils favour drainage and regulate temperature, supporting vine health and grape concentration. The history of Sauternes dates back centuries, with an international reputation for producing some of the world’s most esteemed sweet wines—a reputation bolstered by the classified growths of 1855. Despite variable weather, 2021 saw careful selection and dedicated vineyard management deliver wines with freshness and expressive botrytis character.

For pairings, Sauternes is exceptionally versatile beyond classic dessert matches. Foie gras is a regional favourite, where the wine’s richness cuts through the dish’s unctuosity. Sauternes also complements blue cheeses such as Roquefort, offering a delightful contrast between saltiness and sweetness. Seafood dishes with sweet-savoury accents, like scallops with citrus butter, or spicy Asian cuisine, work beautifully due to the wine’s balancing acidity and complexity. As an elegant finale, enjoy it with fruit tarts or almond pastries.

For optimal tasting, serve Château Haut Coustet 2021 slightly chilled, ideally between 8-10°C. Decanting isn’t essential but allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will allow its delicate aromatics to unfold fully. This wine can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy or cellared over the next decade for increased richness and depth.