R.H. Coutier Cuvee Tradition Grand Cru Brut [W&S93][V92][JG92][WA91]

Producer: R.H. Coutier  
Region: Champagne, France  
Blend: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay 
Year: Non-Vintage  

Wine & Spirits, 93 Points 

"This takes the earthy, red-fruit richness of an Ambonnay Champagne and charges it with energy. It has stamina that seems to drive right along with the bubbles, the flavors firm and juicy, broadened by clay soils, cut by chalky soil acidity. Finely integrated and lasting."

Vinous, 92 Points 

"[$52 list] The NV Brut Tradition Grand Cru is fabulous. Rich, ample and creamy in the glass, the Brut Tradition captures all of the natural intensity of Ambonnay in its expansive personality. Pinot Noir drives this blend in both its flavor profile and weight. Red cherry, plum, cinnamon, cedar and dried flowers are some of the many notes that build over time. This release is based on 2013, with 40% reserve wines. Disgorged: November, 2019. Drink: 2020-2027."

John Gilman, 92 Points

"The current release of R. H. Coutier 'Cuvée Tradition' non-vintage Brut is from the base year of 2017 and includes forty percent reserve wines in the blend. It is crafted from a cépages of seventy-five percent pinot noir and twenty-five percent chardonnay. The vins clairs go through full malolactic fermentation and the wine was disgorged in June of 2023, after more than five years aging sur lattes. It was finished with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine delivers a superb bouquet of apple, nectarine, chalky minerality, wheat toast, dried flowers and plenty of upper register smokiness. On the palate the wine is bright, full-bodied and mineral-driven, with a lovely core of fruit, good focus and grip, elegant mousse and a long, complex and seamlessly balanced finish. This is excellent non-vintage Brut. 2023-2040."

Wine Advocate, 91 Points

"Disgorged in October 2020 with six grams per liter dosage, the latest rendition of Coutier's NV Brut Grand Cru Tradition is based on the 2013 vintage, complemented by fully 40% reserve wines. Exhibiting notions of waxy orchard fruit, honeycomb, mint, tangerine oil and fresh pastry, it's medium to full-bodied, bright and pillowy, with tangy acids and a fleshy core of fruit. Full of flavor and character, this is a fine effort. Drink: 2020-2028."

Alcohol: 12.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.