July 2013
We can’t introduce these wines any better than Antonio Galloni of Wine Advocate; “This is a breathtaking set of wines from proprietor Dominique Moreau. I can’t say enough good things about these artisan Champagnes. If Moreau keeps making wines like these she will soon be one of the superstars of Champagne. Readers should do whatever they can to taste these fabulous wines.”Dominique opened the vineyard in 2005, naming the house after her grandmother, Marie Courtin, who she described as a “woman of the earth”. That same spirit in mind, Dominique has set out to produce single-vineyard, single varietal, single vintage Champagnes from biodynamically-grown grapes, using indigenous yeasts and no dosage. Dominique also embraces a spirituality in her production and pays devoted care to the evolution of the grape in the vineyard as well as in the wine. Each of the estate’s four cuvees have their own personality and spiritual significance to Dominique. With these wines, Marie Courtin is quickly becoming a recognizable name in grower champagne.
- Resonance is her entry level wine, the name stands for the balancing energies of earth and sky that affect the wine.
Marie Courtin Resonance Extra Brut NV ($59.95) $39 special SOLD OUT
92 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE “The appropriately named NV (2009) Extra Brut Resonance emerges from the glass with deep layers of textured fruit. There is a pure energy and vibrancy in the 2009 that is striking. Sweet floral notes, dried pears, red berries, mint and spices are all layered into the focused, taut finish. At the same time, the warm 2009 vintage gives the Pinot Noir a level of richness that balances the non-dose style beautifully. This is a great introduction to the wines of Dominique Morneau and Marie-Courtin.”
- Efflorescence refers to “something that evolves in perpetuity”. Starting with the evolution in barrel, Dominique feels that this wine will show a very differently at each stage of its development.
Marie Courtin Efflorescence Extra Brut 2008 ($89.95) $59 special SOLD OUT
95 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE “The 2008 Extra Brut Efflorescence captures the house style at its finest. Here the cooler vintage brings out considerable tension in the Pinot Noir. The 2008 boasts serious energy, precision and lift all the way through to the intensely taut, saline-infused finish. Today, minerality, acidity and structure are very much present, while the Pinot is felt mostly in the wine’s weight and texture rather than in the aromas and flavors. I imagine the 2008 will develop more complexity in bottle, even though it will always be distinguished for its razor-like focus. The 2008 Efflorescence is one of the most distinctive Champagnes I tasted this year. This is another great showing from Dominique Morneau.”
- Eloquence’s style is in the name, her only Blanc de Blanc arises from the small amount of Chardonnay on the land.
Marie Courtin Eloquence Extra Brut 2008 ($89.95) $69 special SOLD OUT
94 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE “Smoke, ash, white flowers and white orchard fruit are all layered into the 2008 Extra Brut Eloquence (Chardonnay), a Champagne that comes across like a top Meursault with bubbles. Layers of fruit continue to build effortlessly to a huge, palate-staining finish. This is another wine endowed with tons of personality and pure class. The cooler year brings out the more vibrant, taut qualities of Chardonnay. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2019. Disgorged March 2012.”
- Concordance is the estate’s newest and most adventurous addition to the fold.Selected from a parcel planted in 1968, this is the first release of Moreau’s sans soufre cuvee.
Marie Courtin Concordance NV 2009 ($109.95) $89 special SOLD OUT
94 POINTS WINE ADVOCATE “The 2009 Concordance is 100% Pinot Noir bottled with no SO2. Pears, apples, white flowers, spices and crushed rocks burst from the glass as this powerful, authoritative wine shows off its distinctive personality. The 2009 is rich, full-bodied and totally beautiful. Mineral notes reappear to frame a deep, creamy finish imbued with tons of exoticism, Concordance is the estate’s most adventurous wine, so it must be approached with an open mind and palate!”