Couche only produces “Sensation” in vintages he deems worthy and 2002 was beyond worthy: This exceptional growing season holds court with other legendary years like 1996 and 1988, and many consider it the finest of the 21st century, ahead of blockbuster vintages like 2008 and 2012. 

Couche’s fruit comes from two choice villages, Buxeuil (Pinot Noir) and Montgueux (Chardonnay). Vines in Montgueux, made famous by Champagne icon Jacques Lassaigne, are perched on an expansive chalky rise that looks down at the farmland below. The wonderfully ripe grapes grown here add immense texture and vibrancy in the final wine. Back at Vincent’s cellar in Buxeuil, a fermentation born of ambient yeasts was carried out in French oak barrels, without any sulfur, and the final blend was bottled in the first quarter of 2003. This small batch of magnums was then cellared sur-lie for just over 19 years before Vincent finally decided it was “the right time” to disgorge in May of 2022.