Champagne Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Iteration N 26

Description

We are delighted to offer the latest release from Champagne Laurent-Perrier; Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26, recently awarded 100 Points by James Suckling, 19.5 by Jancis Robinson MW and 96 Points from William Kelley./p>

Grand Siècle was created in 1959 under Bernard de Nonancourt’s leadership, bringing something new to the Prestige Cuvée category. He found that even an exceptional vintage failed to reach the perfection he was looking for. Contrarily, he believed that only through the ‘art of assemblage’ was it possible to create the perfect year. Each iteration of Grand Siècle is a blend of three exceptional years that are complementary in character. Champagne Laurent-Perrier has declared just 30 vintages between 1950 and 2012 and for this reason, only 26 ‘iterations’ have been produced since the first Grand Siècle release in 1959.

Grand Siècle Iteration No. 26 is a blend of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir. Grapes are chosen from the vintages of 2012 (65%), 2008 (25%) and 2007 (10%), 8 Grand Crus and aged on lees for ten years, culminating in its characteristic freshness, structure and complexity.

This is a stunning release, whilst it's drinking beautifully now it will age gracefully for decades.

Originally founded in 1923 (under Baudry Lebrun & Cie) in Epernay by Princess Baudry after she fled Moscow following the Russian Revolution, in 2002, this artisanal Champagne house was acquired by Jean-Barthélémy Chancel, the son of a winemaking family from the Rhone Valley. At just 25 years of age, he became the youngest champagne negociant of his generation. The house has very distinct and elegant wine style, characterised by a small dosage but a long ageing process on lees of at least 3 years - more than double the minimum requirement of 15 months. The House benefits from rich and diversified grape buying contracts in a large number of Champagne crus, with Jean-Barthélémy overseeing a highly selective, rigorous selection of grapes to make up each cuvée. 

100 Points. 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. James Suckling