Champagne Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration #23 Brut NV (Magnum 1.5L)

Laurent-Perrier’s Grand Siècle series has to be one of the most anticipated Champagne releases of all time, and this one stands up to every ounce of the high expectations. The house, on rare occasion, releases these new, magnum-only editions based on previous top-notch vintages that benefit from extra-long aging. Today’s Iteration #23 pulls from the 2006, 2004, and 2002 vintages, and absolutely astounds – taking the floor as perhaps one of the best, most complex, and most vinously satisfying Grand Siècles of all time.
 
The House of Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 and remains in a single family’s control to this day. Begun by the Pierlot family, it was bequeathed to their cellar master, Eugène Laurent, after a few generations. Following his accidental death, his widow, Mathilde Emilie Perrier, ran the house and eventually added her surname to her husband’s. Her daughter would sell to another widow, Marie-Louise de Nonancourt, in 1939, whose sons were off fighting in World War II. Eventually, in 1945, her son Bernard de Nonancourt returned to his family’s estate, following his service in the Maquis underground, a vital component of the French Resistance forces. He immediately underwent a rigorous series of apprenticeships to learn all aspects of the family business – from tending the vines to working in the cellar, and even sales at Laurent-Perrier. Finally, at the end of 1948, at the age of only 28, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Laurent-Perrier.
 
Iteration #23 of the flagship Grand Siècle (“Great Century”) is based on the 2006 (65%), 2004 (20%), and 2002 (15%) vintages. The grape blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, with 11 different Grand Crus providing fruit to the final bottling. The aromatics here are truly stunning, floral and pretty, with roses, cherry blossom, and lilacs, followed by toasted almonds, with adjoining flavors of candied lemon and peaches, then croissant dough and marzipan. The long, smooth finish is punctuated with saline and pink peppercorns, and some bright notes of lemon oil and pickled ginger. Powerful, penetrating, and impeccably styled – this has years and years of potential for the future. That said, it’s point-blank fantastic right now. Our only wish is that we could have gotten more! Just 24 bottles, to the fastest among you!