Laurent Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle No. 26
Just in time for your New Year’s Eve celebration, and at the lowest pricing in the US! I’m delighted to offer one of those truly unique Champagne experiences - one that is all about the……wait for it….
….the BLEND! You would have been forgiven if you thought it was all about the VINTAGE. Especially these days as the grower revolution blossoms and expression of terroir is on the tip of everyone’s tongue, vintage wine is the easiest way to showcase terroir. But don’t you love a good story of a guy running the opposite direction?
STORY
Seventy years ago, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to look beyond the notion of vintages, with the aim to create “the perfect year”, the one that nature cannot provide on its own. In Champagne, vintages are showing a large variation of style, expression and quality. Bernard de Nonancourt observed that he could not rely on their single expression to create the Prestige Cuvée he was dreaming about. He was looking for a perfection that none of these vintages were individually providing to him.
The House has worked to recreate through each iteration the perfect year. Each iteration requires patience, time and skill before being revealed: patience to wait for the appropriate exceptional vintage years, and the time and skill necessary to reach the desired harmony and aromatic complexity. This additional maturation leads to a further expression of Grand Siècle displaying greater aromatic depth, density and a silkier texture.
Due to its difference in conception, it took a long time for Grand Siècle to be considered as a one of the very best champagnes in the world. After many decades, Grand Siècle has finally obtained recognition from the most well-known wine critics and is nowadays a benchmark reference within premium champagnes... ‘It takes time to become an icon’...
Vintage in Champagne is usually synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Contrarily, Laurent‑Perrier believes that only the art of assemblage can offer what nature can never provide, that is, the perfect year.
The expression of the perfect year is that of a great champagne wine that has long aging potential and over time develops depth, intensity and aromatic complexity yet retains its freshness and vibrancy.
This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold. (8/7/23)"
- James Suckling, 100 Points #1 Wine of 2023!
[$300 list] Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity. (Dec 2023)
- 97 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast
A blend of the 2012, 2008 and 2007 vintages, the NV Brut Grand Siècle #26 won't be released for another four or five years, but there is a great deal to anticipate, as it's a stunning young wine in the making. Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making. Drink: 2025-2045. (Apr 2019)
- William Kelley, 96
