Laurent-PerrierGrandSiecleIterationNo27MV

Founded in 1812, Champagne Laurent-Perrier remained a modest producer until Bernard de Nonancourt transformed it into one of the world’s most celebrated Champagne Houses. A towering figure in 20th-century Champagne, he became CEO in 1948 after a three-year apprenticeship at Delamotte and Lanson. Over his remarkable 62-year tenure, production expanded from 80,000 to more than eight million bottles.rrDe Nonancourt was a visionary innovator: Laurent-Perrier was the first House to adopt stainless-steel vats, to create a zero-dosage champagne (Ultra Brut), and to pioneer a multi-vintage prestige cuvée (Grand Siècle). Following his passing in 2010, the House has remained family-led under his daughters, Alexandra Pereyre and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, who appointed Stéphane Dalyac as CEO in 2014. In 2019, Alexandra’s eldest daughter, Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, joined the business to represent Grand Siècle around the world.rrToday, Laurent-Perrier stands among Champagne’s largest producers and is best known for its iconic Cuvée Rosé â€?the most recognised rosé champagne in the world. The House’s distinctive style is defined by freshness, purity, and precision, with a light reductive twist and elegant character its wines age with exceptional grace.rrThe idea of Grand Siècle was born from a simple observation: that nature would never provide the perfect oenological year, but that thanks to the art of assemblage, Laurent-Perrier could in fact create it. Always a blend of three exceptional vintages that perfectly complement each other, Grand Siècle was launched in 1959 as a blend of 1952, 1953 and 1955. One year is chosen for structure, one for finesse and one for freshness, creating a unique combination of power and balance from wines of the very best vintages. The grape juice is fermented in 100% stainless-steel tanks as Laurent-Perrier very much believe in keeping the juice away from oxygen and protecting those floral aromatics. Iteration is blended from 11 Grands Crus.From June 2019, L-P introduced ‘Iterationsâ€?to identify the blend of Grand Siécle. Since 1959, Grand Siècle has been revealed only 27 times in bottle format and 24 times in magnum.rrIteration 27 is based on the highly regarded vintages of 2015 (65%), 2013 (25%) and 2012 (10%) from vineyards in 8 Grand Cru Villages.rrWeather r2015: The year was marked by extreme weather events. A mild, rainy winter gave way to a spring of contrasts, with a cold snap followed by intense heat, and a stormy summer. The cool, dry conditions in September allowed for ideal grape ripening. The Chardonnays are ripe, with yellow fruit aromas, while the Pinots Noirs are opulent and rich. r2013: A harsh winter was followed by a cold spring, resulting in a late budburst. The summer brought intense heat and record sunshine. From September, the weather turned very autumnal, leading to slow ripening. Harvest stretched from late September to mid-October â€?a rare occurrence in the past 20 years. The Chardonnays offer natural freshness and remarkable balance. The Pinots Noirs are delicate and restrained. r2012: Winter and spring frosts reduced the yield potential early on. Spring rains were offset by a beautiful summer, resulting in wines of great finesse. The Chardonnays are elegant and well-balanced, and the Pinots Noirs show red fruit aromas.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Chardonnay: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, Cramant. | Pinot Noir: Tours-sur-Marne, Ambonnay, Bouzy, VerzyrGrape Varieties: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot NoirrLees Ageing: 9 yearsrDosage: 7 g/lrDisgorged: January 2025rDrink: Now to 2040+rrTasting Note: Great raciness and intensity on the nose! This is an early-developing iteration apparently. Richly nuanced and explosive. Attention-grabbing. On the finish it’s really salivatory. Bone-dry end. Tense again. Very rewarding. Takes you on a journey and eventually develops into a persistent whole. â€?Tasted by Jancis Robinson MW