At the end of April, Laurent-Perrier held an eagerly anticipated tasting event for their Grand Siècle Champagne, hosted in The Vintners Hall, London. The masterclass featured eight variations of Grand Siècle, showcasing a blend of vintages, with a highlight being the presentation of No.24 in both bottle and magnum formats. This marked a unique approach, as the wines tasted were not specially prepared for the event but rather selected from existing stock available in the UK, though one magnum of Les Réserves No.20 was disgorged just weeks prior to the tasting.
The event introduced Olivier Vigneron, the new chef de cave, whose recent appointment comes after a period of significant turnover in the cellar master’s role. Vigneron’s somewhat enigmatic presence and grounded approach are promising as he steps into a role previously held by the influential Michel Fauconnet.
The focus of the tasting was to illustrate the distinct qualities of Grand Siècle, a prestige cuvée championed by the late Bernard de Nonancourt, designed to capture the essence of the finest Champagne by blending multiple vintages. Grand Siècle is crafted primarily with Chardonnay grapes and is aged meticulously for extended periods, enhancing its complexity and elegance.
Vigneron emphasized his commitment to innovation while recognizing the need for better communication regarding the house’s achievements. Attendees were treated to a vertical tasting experience, comparing recent releases with older iterations, revealing the evolution in flavor profiles and maturation characteristics over time.
Notably praised was the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle No.26, noted for its vibrant and densely textured palate, which is expected to continue developing beautifully with age. Each subsequent vintage, including No.25 and No.24, offered unique expressions, showcasing varying degrees of fruitiness, richness, and acidity.
The tasting concluded on a high note with the Les Réserves No.20 magnum, which possesses an intricate balance of spicy and sweet notes, demonstrating the potential for exceptional aging.
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