Named for its founder, the A.D. Coutelas Cuvee Louis Victor is the quintessential grower-producer champagne. There is variation with each new release made more so by its use of a solera style perpetual blend (started in 2007) in the cuvee that is aged in a large barrel. While the exact composition of the perpetual blend is a mystery, it is 20% of the final cuvee, which Damien professes is Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier in equal amounts. Rich ripe fruit matched by high acidity levels that can be considered extra zippy in champagne's new era of solar (hot!) vintages. Damien forgoes malolactic to maintain the wine's freshness. The dosage is 4g/L so expect a dry (extra brut) finish. Toasty on the nose and finish, floral on the palate, citrus, with subtle oxidized notes due the barrel fermentation and barrel aging of the perpetual blend.

Fresh nose of toast and brioche. The palate is tart and crisp. Finish is creamy with balanced acidity. Superb!

This is a champagne for wine lovers. While the bubbles are present and lovely, they feel like a complementary piece to the base wine in this cuvée. This is a complex, subtle and lean champagne with apple, melon, spice and nutty aromas. The palate is light and finishes so brightly that I could easily be convinced that this is Brut Nature. Super delicious and individual!