Coutier/R.H. Brut Champagne Cuvée Tradition NV

93 points Wine & Spirits: "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."

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "[$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. (Nov 2020)"

92 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "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. (Jul/Aug 2023)"

91 points Wine & Spirits: "The Coutier family blends 20 percent chardonnay into the pinot noir from this cuvée, all of it estate grown in the grand cru village of Ambonnay. The wine balances tart lemon and lime scents with notes of sour dough starter and rhubarb. Almost cakey in its richness, this has the limestone acidity to cut through rich foods, whether seared foie gras of braised short ribs. (2022)"

91 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "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. (Jan 2022)"

Importer notes: "70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay. All estate fruit from Ambonnay, one of the largest Grand Cru villages. The Coutier family was the first family to plant Chardonnay in this famed Pinot-centric village. Vineyards in Ambonnay face due south, producing a warmer microclimate for the grapes. Ambonnay soils have more clay and a bit less limestone than is typical throughout the region. The Coutiers practice "lutte raisonnée", a method of viticulture which encourages biodiversity and soil health. Coutier ploughs, uses no herbicides and grows grass between rows. 2013 base vintage, with some reserve from previous vintages. Stainless steel; 100% malolactic. Aged sur lie for 24-36 months; 6 grams dosage."