James Suckling – jamessuckling.com , 99pts.
Tasted October 2021. Incredible aromas of apple skin, pie crust, praline and flowers. So young in the nose. Full-bodied with super-fine tannins. It’s tight and refined, yet structured and intense. Really long and beautiful. Still shy. Wonderful finish. 12 years on its lees before disgorging. Three vintages in the blend – 2008 (65%), 2007 (25%) and 2006 (10%). 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. It’s the highest percentage of Chardonnay ever.
Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com 17,5 pts
The 25th iteration of Laurent-Perrier's de luxe cuvée, always a blend of different vintages in their quest to make the perfect champagne.
Deep gold with the tiniest bead. Very pungently aromatic and with a texture as smooth as silk. Utterly luxurious. Slides over the palate with an undertow of surprisingly ripe Chardonnay. I'd drink this with a sophisticated fish dish, perhaps with a rich sauce. I love the gentlest of explosions on the palate. Surely this has a lower-than-average pressure? Very long. But it is not recommended for those who like their champagne on the austere side. This is to be launched in late 2021 but it tastes as though it was already gorgeous in 2020. Drink 2021 - 2027
William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, 96 +pts.
Tasted October 2021. Laurent-Perrier's imminently released NV Brut Grand Siècle #25 is showing beautifully, unwinding in the glass with an incipiently complex bouquet of pear, crisp stone fruit and mandarin mingled with hints of smoke, buttered toast and dried white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, layered and textural, with a fleshy core of fruit, terrific concentration and a racy spine of acidity, it's a deep, comparatively structured wine that will evolve beautifully in the cellar. As I've written before, this iteration is a blend of the 2008, 2007 and 2006 vintages, with 2008 lending #25 its depth and structure, 2007 contributing additional cut and 2006 additional richness. While the #25 exemplifies the seamless charm of this bottling, it's also one of the best propositions for long-term cellaring among recent renditions of Grand Siècle, and it will really reward time on cork. Drink 2023 - 2045
Grape: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Grand Siècle blends the best with the best. Up to 9 of the 17 of the Grand Crus of Champagne from only hand-picked plots and selected from exceptional years and chosen for their complimentary traits to provide structure, freshness and finesse in perfect harmony. This iteration is composed of 2008, 2007 and 2006 Vintages with a selection of 9 of the 17 Grand Crus.
A brilliant combination of fresh and bold depth, with a bouquet of wildflowers, brioche and toasted almond. Fine bubbles on the palate, vivid minerality and a creamy texture.
Grand Siècle pairs with high quality products and refined dishes, particularly “surf & turf” combinations, seafood and noble fish.
