Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle No. 24 Champagne 750ml

Product Info

94pts Vinous Media
Laurent-Perrier's NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 24 is just starting to show the first signs of aromatic and flavor complexity, which makes it a very satisfying Champagne for current drinking. Hints of apricot, lemon confit, white flowers and marzipan grace this wonderfully vibrant, inviting edition of Grand Siècle built on the 2007, 2006 and 2004 vintages. The Grande Cuvée No. 24 is silky, perfumed and classy all the way. Time in the glass brings out the wine's freshness and energy. Drinking Window: 2019 - 2029

I was thrilled with the Champagnes I tasted at Laurent-Perrier with Chef de Caves Michel Fauconnet and Group Chairman Stéphane Dalyac. These new and upcoming releases are positively stellar. The flagship remains Grand Siècle, a NV blend of three vintages. For the first time since it was first released in 1959, the Grand Siècle is now identified by a specific numbered edition, which makes it possible to compare releases. That also means I am now comfortable reviewing the wine, as consumers know exactly what they are getting. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see where the market goes for Grand Siècle. Krug is an interesting case study, as the Grande Cuvée went from having inconsistent market presence and unstable pricing to a highly allocated Champagne, for the first time in its history, after the introduction of the Editions. In addition to these wines, I also tasted the current release of the entry-level NV Brut La Cuvée, the NV Cuvée Rosé (magnum) and the first edition of a new wine, the Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs, which is a blend of fruit from Cramant, Avize, Chouilly and Oiry. All are NV Champagnes with no disgorgement date, so, following my longstanding policy, I won’t review them here. Hopefully Laurent-Perrier will add this information (or some other unique identifier) in the future as the wines are really quite lovely. The Blanc de Blancs is especially of note. - By Antonio Galloni on June 2019

Terroir
The Grand Siècle line from Laurent‑Perrier is sourced from a selection of the Champagne region’s top-level vineyard sites — specifically, for the No. 24 iteration, an assemblage of three exceptional years: 2007 (60 %), 2006 (20 %) and 2004 (20 %). Grapes used are drawn solely from the Houses’ Grand Cru vineyards, ensuring maximum quality of fruit. The blend comprises 55 % Chardonnay and 45 % Pinot Noir. The climate of these vineyard zones in Champagne is cool, which preserves acidity and helps build structure; the soils in the Grand Cru sites are often chalk and limestone-rich, lending minerality and classic Champagne vibrancy. By blending vintages, Laurent-Perrier seeks to “recreate the perfect year” rather than rely on one harvest alone.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
For the No. 24 iteration, the base wines spend a very extended period on lees — for example, ageing of around 10+ years on the lees before disgorgement. The dosage is low: listed at approximately 7 g/L for this cuvée. The final blend, as noted, is 55 % Chardonnay and 45 % Pinot Noir from Grand Cru sites, and the vintage proportions are 60 % 2007, 20 % 2006, 20 % 2004. Laurent-Perrier emphasises a style that balances vibrant freshness, finesse of Chardonnay, and depth of Pinot Noir, particularly in this top-cuvee line.

Tasting Notes
Visually, the wine shows an intense white-gold colour with fine and persistent bubbles, indicative of its maturity and finesse. On the nose, it opens with complex aromatics: honeysuckle and citrus (lemon, clementine), white‐fruit (pear, apple), and subtle secondary notes of hazelnut, toasted brioche and perhaps a touch of honey and oyster shell salinity. On the palate the attack is fresh and lively; the mousse is fine, the acidity crisp, yet the wine carries creamy texture and broad mid-palate development. Flavours of candied lemon zest, white peach, almond and flaked hazelnut emerge, layered over a core of minerality and chalky tension. The finish is long, refined, and consistently balanced — delivering both elegance and power.

Food Pairing & Service
To showcase this cuvée at its best, serve chilled at around 10-12 °C (50-54 °F). Using a large tulip or white-wine glass (rather than a narrow flute) will allow the complex aromas to fully express. Given its structure and depth, allow a few minutes after pouring for the bubbles and aromatics to settle. This Champagne is ideally paired with high-quality, refined dishes: think noble seafood (such as langoustines, truffle-butter lobster, or grilled turbot), or elegant meat preparations like veal medallions with morel sauce. The minerality and depth of the wine also make it a superb match for white truffle risotto, aged Comté, or even delicate surf & turf combinations where shellfish and fine meat meet. A perfect fit for celebratory moments or gourmet pairings.