Laurent-Perrier Héritage Unveiled: A New Frontier in Champagne
Champagne Laurent-Perrier has recently introduced a groundbreaking cuvée, Laurent-Perrier Héritage, which prioritizes reserve wines over base years in its blend. This innovative move was led by chef de cave Michel Fauconnet, who has been at the helm since 1973. Known for his technical prowess and creative approaches, Fauconnet emphasized that practice makes perfect, a principle evident in the quality of Laurent-Perrier wines.
The Héritage cuvée diverges from traditional Multi-Vintage methods by focusing on older reserve wines from four specific vintages (2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019). This method not only showcases the unique qualities of these vintages but also establishes a new benchmark for blended Champagne. Fauconnet considers this approach a celebration of the diversity that reserve wines can bring to the final product, underscoring the purity of the Champagne terroir.
While previous offerings like Grand Siècle were sourced exclusively from a limited number of grand cru villages, Héritage expands this scope to include fruit from 40 different villages. This broader selection includes Chardonnay from highly-regarded regions such as Villers-Marmery and rich Pinot Noir from the Côte des Bar. Each vintage contributes distinct characteristics: the freshness of the 2014 Chardonnay, the structure of the 2016 Pinot Noir, the richness of the 2018 vintage, and the finesse of the 2019.
The Héritage cuvée consists of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir, with both grapes enjoying minimal oak influence and a low dosage of 6g/l of sugar. It was disgorged in spring 2023 after aging for over 36 months, resulting in a refined expression that captures Laurent-Perrier’s signature elegance and architectural grace.
The tasting experience highlights a shimmering lemon gold hue with a complex nose of gunflint, acacia, and a palette that evolves gradually to reveal notes of white peach and papaya. Although subtle at first, the wine promises deeper fruity ambitions with further aging. With a score of 93-94, Laurent-Perrier Héritage marks yet another milestone in the legacy of this esteemed Champagne house, seen as both a tribute to the artistry of winemaking and a significant commercial endeavor.
For more details on the cuvée and tasting notes, visit World Of Fine Wine.