It is becoming increasingly popular for American wineries to produce wines under a variety of arrangements from other countries, either here or there, and market them under their domestic labels. Brion Wise, who is planning his own winery in Napa Valley, here launches a premium vintage Champagne produced in collaboration with A.D. Coutelas in the village of Dizy. Disgorged in March 2022, it is a 50/50 Pinot/Chardonnay blend that is very frothy with the lovely golden aromas and flavors of age and aging – grain, spent yeasts, vanilla, lemon peel, caramel in the lightest degree, metallic minerality, all delivered in a creamy package with light tannins. The flavors are truly divine, although the structure lacks intensity at mid-palate and could linger a bit longer in the finish.
Brion Wise, Champagne (France) 2015
By Roger Morris