Roger Coulon L’Hommée Premier Cru Extra Brut NV (Base 14; Disgorged July 2021)

Winery Background and History

Domaine Roger Coulon is a family-run estate based in Vrigny, Montagne de Reims, now led by Eric and Isabelle Coulon alongside their children. Cultivating approximately 11 hectares across Premier and Grand Cru parcels, the family embraces organic and biodynamic practices since 2019. Their minimal-intervention approach—favoring native yeasts, massal selection, and long lees aging—produces terroir-driven Champagnes of crystalline purity, complexity, and character.

Producer and Wine Maker

Eric and Isabelle Coulon oversee viticulture and cellar decisions, supported by the next generation. L’Hommée is crafted with precision: base wine from the 2014 vintage, extended lees aging (5 years), and minimal intervention throughout. The vision is to create expressive, energetic Champagne that foregrounds vineyard authenticity and textural depth.

Vineyards and Micro Climate

The cuvée is sourced from the oldest Premier Cru plots in Vrigny and nearby Pargny-les-Reims—sites notable for their south-facing chalky soils and excellent drainage. This environment nurtures ripe, concentrated fruit, sustained by a cool continental-tinged microclimate that imparts finesse and mineral tension.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Made of roughly 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, the Chardonnay is fermented and aged in oak, while the Pinot Noir is vinified in stainless steel. The wine spent approximately five years on lees before being disgorged in July 2021. It is bottled Extra Brut with a dosage of about 3 g/L, and undergoes no filtration or fining.

Tasting Notes

The wine pours a luminous golden hue with fine, precise bubbles. Aromas unfold with orchard fruits, white flowers, brioche, and saline minerals. The palate combines creamy texture with lift—bright citrus, chalk-driven minerality, driving energy, and a long, resonant finish that balances power and poise. Antonio Galloni praised its vibrant precision, chalk notes, and crystalline tension. A Reddit taster echoed: “striking gold… brioche, baked apple, citrus and spice… moussy, rich yet saline, and long finish.”

Food & Wine Pairing

Ideal companions include refined seafood like oysters, scallops, or lobster, as well as delicate poultry or creamy shellfish dishes. Its tension, mineral clarity, and fine mousse elevate both simple and gastronomic plates.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8–10 °C in a tulip-shaped or fine sparkling wine glass to highlight its overhead aromatics, effervescence, and layered texture.

Storage and Aging Potential

Already compelling upon release, this NV cuvée can evolve beautifully with proper cellaring. Its acidity, structure, and terroir expression suggest longevity and refinement over at least 5–10 more years.

Grape Varietals & percentage used

60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Approximately 12.0%

Scores

95 – Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

94+ – Jeb Dunnuck

94 – Sommelier (Lobenberg)

93–94 – Parker (Wine Advocate)