NV Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration N°26, Champagne, France (750ml)

The Grand Siècle (Great Century) is the name given to one of the most prosperous periods (17th century) in the history of France known for the capacity of man, through his works, to create what nature cannot. Louis XIVth, known as the Sun King, by creating the Château de Versailles and its gardens, was the architect of this model of harmony, balance and perfection. The symmetry and perspective of the Jardins à la française, the capacity to grow Mediterranean fruits (especially Oranges inside the Orangerie) in such a Northern climate, creating the Grand Canal, the fountains and ponds with no nearby rivers are many illustrations of this ability of man to sublimate natural elements. The name of Grand Siècle was chosen for Laurent‑Perrier’s Prestige Cuvée based on this common vision to reach a perfection that Nature, on its own, cannot provide.

Vintage in Champagne is usually synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Contrarily, Laurent‑Perrier believes that only the art of assemblage can offer what nature can never provide, that is, the perfect year. The expression of the perfect year is that of a great champagne wine that has long aging potential and over time develops depth, intensity and aromatic complexity yet retains its freshness and vibrancy. Due to the format, Grand Siècle in Magnum (150cl) is deliberately aged for a longer time on lees. This additional maturation leads to a further expression of Grand Siècle displaying greater aromatic depth, density and a silkier texture. Since 1959, Grand Siècle has been revealed only 26 times in bottle format and 23 times in magnum.

The Grand Siècle Iteration N°26 is composed of the vintages of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the blend is 2012, 25% 2008 and 10% 2007. The final cépage worked out to be 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, all from Grand Cru villages. The wine was aged ten years sur lattes prior to disgorgement.

White gold in color with delicate and persistent bubbles, with a very complex nose which mixes honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter aromas, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The feel in the mouth is very delicate and fresh, with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut aromas. The palate is silky and mineral with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.