93 points Wine Advocate
Vinified entirely in oak and disgorged in November 2023 without dosage, Coulon’s NV Brut Nature Esprit de Vrigny, based on the 2018 vintage, is a cuvée composed in equal parts of old-vine Pinot Meunier cultivated on sandy soils, Pinot Noir rooted in clay over limestone and Chardonnay grown on chalk. Each varietal is harvested, pressed and vinified separately. The wine bursts from the glass with an expressive, aromatic bouquet of freshly baked brioche, acacia honey, ripe pear and warm spices. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, generous and textural, underpinned by a succulent yet racy acidity that lends the wine its energy. The finish is long, savory and persistent. While anchored in the 2018 vintage, the blend is complemented by the inclusion of 20% reserve wines from 2017.

Grapes: Chardonnay (30%), Pinot Noir (35%), Pinot Meunier (35%)
ABV: 12%
Dosage: 3 g/l
Time on Lees: 5 years (60 months) sur lattes
1er Villages: Vrigny in the Northern Montagne de Reims, 40-50 year-old-vines on Thanetian sands and white chalk with flint
Fermentation: Wine ferments spontaneously in 600L demi-muids (70-80%) and smaller 228L oak barrels (20-30%).
Malolactic Fermentation: Natural malolactic fermentation
Élevage: Wine ages for 10 months in 600-l demi muids, and (see above, 60 months on laths)
Press Wine: Cuvée from first pressing retained for Champagnes, Taille from second pressing sold off.