2020 Filhot
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind. First bottle slightly corked but second bottle is fine and has good acidity. Rich apricot, ripe and very, very sweet – but simple overall. (JH)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Filhot was a vintage where I thought this Sauternes was making a comeback, however, this showing places doubt in that. It has a very muddled and rubbery nose, while the palate is woefully short of depth and presence so that it languishes in anonymity. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
The 2020 Filhot offers light orange pith and candy floss scents on the nose, becoming peachier with aeration. The palate is ripe, candied and fresh. It's not complex, but the finish has decent countervailing acidity. Fine.
50% Sémillon, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Muscadelle. Pale gold colour. Open and aromatic with citrus, passion fruit and vanilla notes. Palate soft and supple but with a hint of bitter botrytis. Medium sweet. Clean and fresh on the finish. Lacks intensity but appealing in the short to medium term. (JL)