Champagne R.H. Coutier 2015 'La Pierre aux Larrons' Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC

Champagne R.H. Coutier 2015 'La Pierre aux Larrons' Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, Champagne Grand Cru AOC

Item Number: 17546

UPC: None

Country: France
Region: Champagne
Sub Region: Montagne de Reims
Appellation/AVA: Champagne Grand Cru AOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Pierre aux Larrons
Vintage: 2015
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Type: Wine - Sparkling
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 12.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Chalky limestone and clay

Vine Age: Plot planted in 1948
Aging: 1 year in barrels before bottling; riddled by hand
Dosage: 0g/L

In the spring of 2020, the family released their first single vineyard wine, La Pierre aux Larrons. In 1948, Henri Coutier was one of the first to plant Chardonnay in Ambonnay, a grand cru Champagne village normally devoted to Pinot Noir. He planted this variety in a single vineyard plot called Pierre aux Larrons, and this plot has become the source of all massal selection Chardonnay cuttings that the winery uses. In 2015, his grandson Antoine returned to the estate to vinify his first vintage, and the decision was made to make the first single vineyard Chardonnay bottling for the estate.

Reviews

  • Vinous
    Rating: 92 (11/15/2021)
    A new wine in this range, the 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Pierre Aux Larrons Grand Cru emerges from the Coutier family's oldest Chardonnay vines in Ambonnay, planted in 1948. The 2015 sizzles with tension and energy, opening to reveal notable depth with a bit of time in the glass. This is a fine showing, especially within the context of what has turned out to be a very tricky vintage.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 94 (11/15/2020)
    The Brut Nature emphasizes the power of Chardonnay. I imagine a touch of dosage might have softened the wine a bit, but no matter, the 2015 is simply stunning. There is a feeling of translucent energy and starkness that I find especially compelling. Chalk, white flowers, mint, white pepper and lemon peel linger. What a wine!