The Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Story Iteration 1 to 26

The Beginning of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle

The Grand Siècle concept was born in 1953 by Laurent-Perrier’s charismatic owner Bernard de Nonancourt who wanted to produce the ‘perfect vintage champagne’, knowing a single year was unlikely to provide that, he blended three great vintages, allowing the creation of his ‘perfect vintage’. The Iteration series is blended from grapes sourced from 11 of the 17 Grand Cru villages in Champagne.

The multi-vintage concept consists of three vintages of reserve wines blended together. Although the crus vary blend-by-blend, some villages feature fairly consistently, such as Aÿ, Bouzy, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Tours-sur-Marne. True to the original concept the current release is the 26^th Iteration of this champagne, the first iteration or “multi vintage blend” being launched in 1959 from the vintages 1952, 1953 and 1955. Only 26 iterations have been produced in 66 years with 45 vintages declared over the same period. Today there is much longer lees ageing, differing slightly according to the Iteration and the bottle size, all of which is key to subtle flavour and texture development. Combined with the distinctive long and narrow necked bottles, the stainless steel winemaking is further enhanced ‘reductively’ to give you amazingly fresh and energetic champagnes that are more Chardonnay dominant than Pinot Noir.

 

Bernard de Nonancourt

In October 1948, aged 28, Bernard de Nonancourt was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Laurent-Perrier. He was one of the rare owners of a Champagne House to have done all the jobs of his future employees after being a vines labourer, cellar and office worker and a sales representative. Bernard de Nonancourt injected a dynamic momentum into the business. Keen on innovation, strongly attached to champagne traditions and to quality, he forged the commercial culture of Laurent-Perrier and created a renowned brand with a range of unique champagnes. He became President of Laurent-Perrier at the age of 28, in 1948 and held that role for 62 years until he passed away in 2010.

 

Continuing the Family Legacy

The brand’s vision still runs in the family, since 2010 it has been continued by his daughters Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, who accompany the Chairman Stéphane Dalyac and Michel Fauconnet, Cellar Master and Production Manager forming the Laurent-Perrier Management Board. Michel has been at the company for 40 years, progressing from Cellarman in 1974 to assistant Chef de Cave in 1983 until his appointment as Cellar Master in 2004. In September 2019, Laurent-Perrier further strengthened itself with the arrival of Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, Alexandra’s eldest daughter who is representing Grand Siècle worldwide. She is training with the Cellar Master and the Production and Salesforce teams, thus becoming part of Laurent-Perrier’s innovative team.

 

Pioneering Use of Stainless Steel

Laurent-Perrier, renowned for its distinctive style, a mix of freshness, finesse, and elegance was among the first houses to introduce stainless steel tanks for fermentation and storage of reserve wines. The Grand Siècle fermentation room holds fourteen, 110-hectolitre tanks.

Grand Siècle Iterations 1 to 26 – Specifications and Critic’s Scores

Listed below for Iterations 1 to 26 are the core specifications and Wine Critic Scores. In addition to these rating are some extra tasting notes; in November 2019, Peter Crawford (@alavolee) organised a tasting of fourteen different Iterations from Iteration 24, right back to Iteration 2, including all three Grand Siècle formats, Bottle, Magnum and Jeroboam. All fifthteen of Nick’s tasting notes and scores are below (Nick Baker, TFB Founder) and Peter’s Top Five:

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 26

2012 – 65%  | 2008 – 25%  | 2007 – 10% Grapes: 58% Chardonnay & 42% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 10 years | Dosage: 6 g/l

 

100/100 James Suckling | jamessuckling.com July 2023

“This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It’s full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold

19.5/100 Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com

“Powerful aroma of orange peel and something in the putty/chalk spectrum. It somehow manages to be both tight yet approachable, dense in terms of flavour concentration yet filigree in terms of texture. As usual, it’s so Chardonnay! Overriding citrus character and quite amazingly long, a mouthful tingling on the palate for minutes not seconds. Enormous finesse. Massive pleasure. This would make the most luxurious aperitif. Michel Fauconnet, having welcomed the new chef de cave in January 2023, must be especially proud of this wine.”

94-96/100  Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com

“This iteration of Grand Siècle leans heavily on the Chardonnay side with its 58% proportion. Two great vintages, 2012 and 2008, compose a lion’s share of the blend with 2007 supporting. The overall impression is one of ripe and exuberant fruitiness. Upon release this February 2022 disgorgement shows rather open and expressive already in all its honey and floral tones. Taking into account the varietal proportion, Pinot Noir’s presence can be felt strongly on both the nose and palate. There is ample power and body to the richly textured palate, the 2012 vintage seems to be driving the wine at the moment. Lots of concentration here, which no doubt will reward cellaring.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 25

2008 – 65%  | 2007 – 25%  | 2006 – 10% Grapes: 60% Chardonnay & 40% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 12 years | Dosage: 7 g/l | Disgorged: October 2021

 

96 → 98/100  Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com  Mar 2022

75cl “My expectations were high for this blend that comes with a majority of 2008. As high a proportion as 65%, in fact. It gets complimented by 25% of the great Chardonnay year 2007 and a dash of the voluptuous 2006. Crisp Chardonnay notes dominate the pure and youthful nose of lime, peach and chalk, which comes with stylish restraint and delicate toasty layers. The combination of predominance a cool year and high proportion of Chardonnay (60%, the highest share ever!), bring such finesse and tension to this Iteration, that I am immediately taking it amongst my all time favourites. The mousse is impressively creamy yet invigorating and the style seemingly long-ageing and tight. If it is this fine in 75cl bottles, I cannot wait to taste its grandeur in magnums!”

96/100  William Kelley |  Robertparker.com  Oct 2021

75cl “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”

17.5/20  Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com  Oct 2021

75cl “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.”

18.5+/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Mar 2022

75cl ‘“Just a hint of reductive charm and there is real intensity to the fruit; rich & ripe lemon sherbet, ripe pear, yellow plum and a twist of dried grass. You really see the Chardonnay dominance, 60% and the red fruits are currently quite subdued. The palate is a mix of racy freshness from the acidity and soft texture from its long time on the lees and such lightness and delicacy to finish with a twist of salinity and dosage at 7 g/l seems perfectly integrated. Like many 2008’s this has great purity to the fruit. 65% 2008, 25% 2007 & 10% 2006”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 24

2007 – 60%  | 2006 – 20%  | 2004 – 20% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 10 years | Dosage: 7 g/l | Disgorged: October 2018

 

95 → 97/100  Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com  Nov 2020

75cl “Classic L-P benchmark fragrant gun-powdery toastiness on the nose that opens up with honey, ginger, lemon, lilies and meringue notes. Still reserved and highly youthful in magnum and keeping very fresh and zingy in 75cl bottle too. Lovely evolution and integrated richness on the refined, creamy-caressing palate. A class act.”

94/100  Antonio Galloni | Vinous.com  Jun 2019

75cl “Laurent-Perrier’s NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 24 is just starting to show the first signs of aromatic and flavour 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.”

18.5/20  Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com  Jun 2019

75cl “Bottle. The 24th iteration of Grand Siècle since the 1960s, now signalled with a ‘24’ on the bottle neck. 60% 2007, 20% 2006, 20% 2004, launched now. Mostly Chardonnay (55%) and Pinot Noir (45%), all grand cru. Disgorged October 2018 after 10 years on lees. Dosage 7 g/l. Deep greenish yellow. Creamy, oaked Chardonnay sort of nose recalls white burgundy. Much richer than the Blanc de Blancs of course but with the same tight texture and filigree mousse. Firm and noble.”

18/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

75cl ”Good depth to the gold colour; on my first smell I was caught by that “hint of the sea” character with notes of salinity. You then start to see those yellow fruits like ripe pear and apples, real zesty lemons and on the palate the apple character has a spicy edge. The mid-palate fills well with the ten years of lees ageing. The fruits are citrus and pear and some tropical notes of pineapple and with a few minutes in the glass hints of pastry richness. Great finish, fresh from minerality and hint of saline and nice, long length.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 23    75cl|1.5L

2006 – 60%  | 2004 – 25%  | 2002 – 15% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 8 years | Dosage: 6 g/l

 

92 → 94/100 Essi Avellan | EssiAvellan.com  Jan 2017

75cl “A fresh and mellow, supple Grand Siècle with understated elegance. Highly balanced in 75cl bottles even if not one of the most impressive blends. Starting to show signs of evolution. A wholly different story in magnum, which showed majestically at the 2014 CSWWC. The complexity and refinement was just mind-blowing. World Champion Deluxe Magnum, 96 points with further potential.”

19/20 Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com  Sept 2021

Magnum “The 23rd iteration of this unusual prestige cuvée was released in bottle in 2017 but without the ’23’ on the label. And even in this case it is only on the neck and back labels. It’s the usual blend of three vintages of grand cru ingredients, in this case the highest-ever proportion of Chardonnay: 58% from the Côte des Blancs with 42% of Pinot Noir from mainly the north of the Montagne de Reims. The blend, of 65% 2006, 20% 2004 and 15% 2002, spent a full 14 years on the lees. They will disgorge usually annually with 7 g/l dosage in this case. The ingredients came from small plots in 11 different grands crus: Le Mesnil, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Oger for the Chardonnay and Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly and their base Tours-sur-Marne for the Pinot Noir. None of these details is given on the front or back label however”

99/100 James Suckling | jamessuckling.com  Aug 2021

Magnum “Fabulous aromas of brioche, pie crust, lemon tart and fresh apple. Full-bodied, very dense and layered with freshness and energy that couples well with the palate. Powerful acidity gives great structure to this. Goes on for minutes. Extremely structured. Three vintages – 2006 (65%), 2004 (20%) and 2002 (15%). Blend of 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir. From 11 grand crus. Aged in magnums. One for the cellar. Available only magnum. In Europe from mid-October 2021. Drink or hold”

19/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

Magnum “Compared to 24 it seems more restrained on the aromatics yet the palate is more richly textured, probably its the result of the longer time on lees. This richness really fills out the mid palate and some zesty lemon and hint of grapefruit are very attractive components. There is a hint of aniseed and dried grass on the finish with again that trademark saline lift at the end which keeps it fresh and clean. Long length goes on and on.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 22   75cl|1.5L

2004 – 55%  | 2002 – 30%  | 1999 – 15% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 12 years | Dosage: 7 g/l | Disgorged: July 2018

 

18.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com  Jun 2019

Magnum “The 22nd iteration of Grand Siècle. Disgorged July 2018. Base 2004. Chef de Cave Michel Fauconnet: ‘2004 was such a big harvest we didn’t realise it had such good ageing potential’. Very deep gold. Almost sweet nose but still with the texture and lightness of Grand Siècle. Delicate texture and lift. Real finesse of texture and palate with just a little more chewiness. Very creamy.”

95/100 Antonio Galloni | Vinous.com  Jul 2019

Magnum “The NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 22 (magnum), Laurent-Perrier’s current release of the flagship cuvée in magnum, is striking. Blending of vintages 2004, 2002 and 1989 results in an incredibly harmonious and well-balanced Champagne that has so much to offer. Candied lemon peel, mint, wild flowers, spice, baked apple and brioche are some of the many notes that run through a Grand Siècle built on silkiness, vinous depth and textural resonance. Of course, the magnum format helps, but the Grande Cuvée No. 22 is just gorgeous. I expect the No. 22 will age effortlessly for years based on its richness.”

95/100 William Kelley | WineAdvocate.com  Apr 2019

Magnum “A blend of the 2004, 2002 and 1999 vintages, the NV Brut Grand Siècle #22 is about to be released in magnum, and it will be well worth seeking out, as this is a complex, gastronomic Champagne at the peak of its powers. Wafting from the glass with aromas of delicately honeyed peaches, woodsmoke, iodine and musk, the wine is full-bodied, broad and concentrated, with considerable savory complexity to complement its maturating fruit tones, a delicate mousse, chalky structuring dry extract and a sapid, mouthwatering finish. 2018 – 2030”

19/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

Magnum “On first approach you have that attractive hint of smokiness, a result of the winemaking process where “no oxygen” produces this character, then you start to see bundles of ripe yellow fruits and hints of gooseberry. Has a lightness on the palate, really delicate and some saltiness to the yellow plums, apples and pears. The salinity and minerality giving the champagne a really light and fresh character. The lees ageing has really filled the mid-palate, giving an almost velvety texture to the champagne. Very fine with a hint of spiciness and a fresh mineral finish.“

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 21

2002 – 60%  | 1999 – 25%  | 1997 – 15% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Dosage: 6 g/l

 

94 → 96/100 Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com Jan 2018

“Stylish nose with ample yeast-derived complexity. Lovely gunpowdery and toasty nuances. Super smooth long, complex length. Lots of minerality and sulphitic complexity.”

17.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW | JancisRobinson.com  Aug 2014

“Fine, lacy, tight-knit and very flirtatious. Fine and complex. No spring chicken. But it delivers.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 20

1999 – 60%  | 1997 – 20%  | 1996 – 20% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 16 years | Dosage: 7 g/l | Disgorged: May 2019

 

18.5/20 Jancis Robinson | jancisrobinson.com  Aug 2014

“Deluxe Magnum. 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir. From magnums based on the 1999 vintage (supplemented by the two previous vintages released by the house) – although the bottles of the concurrent release of this wine are apparently based on the 2002 vintage. In his notes on the wines, Stevenson observes how very different this wine tastes in bottle and magnum, even if the initial blends were identical. I loved the electric tension in this wine despite its relatively great age. Extremely well made.”

94/100 Antonio Galloni | Vinous.com  Jul 2020

Magnum “The NV Brut Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 20 (Magnum) is super-expressive today. Warm toasty notes, lemon confit, marzipan, baked apple tart and floral nuances are all woven together in a delicate Champagne that has been gently mellowed by the passage of time. The No. 20 is a bit slender than some of the other wines in this tasting and also more marked by toasty, buttery notes. The blend is 1999 (60%), 1997 (20%) and 1996 (20%). Disgorged May 27, 2019. ”

19/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

Magnum “Very charming reductive notes and a hint of herbaceous character almost something like aniseed and then lots of richness on the palate with almost a hint of charcuterie smoky character. Bundles of yellow fruits with forest floor notes like mushroom, hint of blackberry and lemon richness. The texture has a delightful slightly chalky texture with long length. This is very refreshing, light and delicate and with time you notice coffee and dark chocolate. A little cracker!”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 19

1997 – 55%  | 1996 – 30%  | 1995 – 15% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 8 years | Dosage: 8 g/l | Disgorged: 2006

 

92/100 Josh Raynolds | vinous.com  Dec 2011

“ Bright gold. High-pitched citrus and pear aromas are complicated by suave honeysuckle and spice nuances. Very fresh and focused, with impressive power and vivacity to its sappy orchard fruit and lemon flavours. Shows an array of floral qualities on the persistent finish, which features notes of buttered toast and candied citrus fruits.”

18.5/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

“Shows some reductive notes, which for a 75cl I wasn’t expecting. Its fresh and notes of freshly gathered in hay and rich stone fruit. This is very good, bright lemon and plum dominate and its texturally rich with hints of tropical like pineapple coming through on the end.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 18

1996 – 46%   | 1995 –  39%  | 1993 – 15% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees Ageing: 5 years | Dosage: 8 g/l | Disgorged: September 2002

 

94/100 Josh Raynolds | vinous.com  Dec 2005

“ Medium straw colour, with a vigorous mousse. Wonderfully expressive aromas of white flowers, peach, fresh pear, sweet butter and exotic magnolia blossom. Concentrated and deep, with fresh ripe apple, redcurrant and fruitcake flavours accented by a strong chalky note. This manages to be dense and lively at the same time, with a remarkable range of flavours. Powerful and almost painfully concentrated on the very long finish. This cuvee, which is in a new, black bottle with a small black label, is based on 1996 juice, with the addition of wines from 1995 and 1993, and may be the finest Grand Siecle cuvee I’ve yet encountered.”

17/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

“Bundles of stewed fruit like plums and peaches with fair fruit concentration and textural richness. It is a lovely old champagnes gracefully ageing. Perhaps a bottle that lacked great storage as it does seem mature.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 17 (Les Reserves)

1995 – 60%  | 1993 – 20%  | 1990 – 20% Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir Lees ageing: 20 years | Dosage: 7 g/l | Disgorged July: 2018

 

97 → 99/100 Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com  Jan 2017

“Tight at first when launched, Laurent-Perrier should have given these magnums and jeroboams more post-disgorgement time. Tasted in 2016 year after and the wine was blooming. Stunning gunpowdery complexity, toasty richness and packed with delicious fruit. Well-built on the rich palate. Showing beautifully with its brightest future still ahead of it. Again a great reminder of Grand Siècle’s majestic ageing potential. Tasted again in January 2017, what a brilliant, brilliant champagne. A magnum of this is not enough for two persons for lunch, even if the other one isn’t drinking!.”

95/100 Antonio Galloni | Vinous.com  Jun 2019

“The NV Grand Siècle Les Réserves Cuvée No. 17 (magnum) is a blend of 1995, 1993 and 1990. Orange peel, hazelnut, coffee, butter and pastry notes are typical of a Champagne that has reached a plateau of early maturity. Touches of reduction from extended time on the lees add striking freshness to play off some of the more advanced aromas and flavors. Translucent and light on its feet, yet also quite powerful, the Réserves is a Champagne endowed with striking contrasts and tons of personality. ”

95/100 William Kelley | RobertParker.com  Apr 2019

“One of my favorite renditions of this cuvée is the striking NV Brut Grand Siècle #17, a blend of the 1995, 1993 and 1990 vintages. Tasted from magnum, the wine offers up a complex bouquet of candied peel, pear and peach complemented by suggestions of wheat toast, iodine and beeswax. Full-bodied, textural and concentrated, the wine is deep and serious, built around racy acids and structuring dry extract—it exemplifies this cuvée’s elegant, seamless style. Readers lucky enough to find a bottle are in for a treat.”

19/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com

Jeroboam “Super reductive real gun flint and cant smell much else, just the rich ripe lemon sherbet making it through the super reduction!! There is quite some power on the palate and loads of lime and bitter orange and it the palate has that lightness, delicacy and salinity you only see in the top champagnes. When tasting the champagne half an hour later the reductive character had reduced and the bitter orange is coming forward, with lime and lemon richness. Acidity is very gentle and super well integrated, with the minerally and hints of chalk just keeping it fresh.”

Peter Crawford | @alavolee  Nov 2019

“Not a surprise that this was most peoples’s WOTN. Even with its young disgorgement it showed a staggering balance and show stopping delivery. It nailed it. I have never seen a jero disappear so quickly…. If you wanted the perfect example of why blending vintages is the answer, look no further.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 16

1993 | 1990 | 1988 Grapes: 58% Chardonnay & 42% Pinot Noir Dosage: 7 g/l

 

94/100 Stephen Tanzer | vinous.com  Nov 2002

“ Very fine, strong mousse Knockout, musky nose combines orange pith, honeysuckle, spices and chalk. Offers nearly painful intensity of lemon and wet stone flavor without any excess weight. Dense, extremely concentrated material is leavened by brilliant acidity. Wonderfully chewy and sappy in the middle palate and on the extremely long finish. It’s hard to get this out of your mouth! Still, the wine’s finishing austerity suggests that it’s nowhere near its peak today. A great value in tete de cuvee Champagne.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 15

1990 | 1988 | 1985 Grapes: 58% Chardonnay & 42% Pinot Noir

 

95/100 Essi Avellan MW | EssiAvellan.com  Oct 2016

“Generous yet autumnal, apricot, coffee and vanilla nose. Truly silky, caressing, rich palate compressed with ripe fruit. Perfect harmony of power and vibrancy. Still full of life but showing beautiful mature complexity. Peaking.”

95/100 Stephen Tanzer | Vinous.com  Nov 2000

“Very cool, complex aromas of apple blossom, licorice, mint, flowers and minerals. Extremely intense and brisk; in fact, almost painful today. Creamy-rich in the middle but has grip of steel. Very assertive grapefruit and mineral flavors. Finishes extremely subtle and firm, with slow-mounting but impressively persistent finishing flavors. Still a baby, and built to benefit from five or six years of additional time in bottle. Should ultimately merit an even higher score. This Champagne represents a blend of wines from the ’85, ’88 and ’90 vintages, which sounds like a formula for greatness to me. ”

95/100 William Kelley | RobertParker.com  Mar 2021

“The NV Brut Grand Siècle #15 is showing magically today, wafting from the glass with scents of orange oil, exotic fruit, smoke, clear honey, toasted bread, iodine and coniferous forest floor. Full-bodied, ample and complete, with terrific concentration, racy acids and a pearly mousse, it’s deep and complex, with a satiny attack and an intensely sapid, umami-laden finish. Tasted from magnum, the #15 is a blend of the 1990, 1988 and 1985 vintages. Fauconnet describes 1990 as “the Chardonnay vintage,” 1988 as a source of underlying “austerity,” and 1985 as “the year for Pinot, which I kept for five years, waiting for the Chardonnay!”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 14

1988 | 1985 | 1982 Grapes: 58% Chardonnay & 42% Pinot Noir

 

96/100 Essi Avellan | essiavellan.com  Nov 2011

“ Blockbuster nose of coffee, toast, toffee and honeycomb. Full, rich, round, mouth-filling palate boosting with energy. Sweeps feet off the ground. Irresistible. Some more potential left.”

19+/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com Nov 2019

Magnum “Another magnum with such super and attractive reductive smoky aromatics, it seems to have so much freshness! There is this lemon richness, grassy and dried hay, concentrated orange zest and lots of grapefruit. Has great length and going back it improved even more, love the bitter orange richness it really lifts it up with those hints of the seaside on the finish.” Provided by David Hesketh MW a gem from his cellar!

Peter Crawford | @alavolee  Nov 2019

“Almost too fresh! Hilariously so. Saline, grippy, tense. Of all the older bottles this carried the hallmarks of its younger siblings the most. A delightful caramel note is the only hint that this is over 30 years old.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 13

1985 | 1982 | 1979 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 12

1982 | 1979 | 1976 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 11

1979 | 1976 | 1975 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

17/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

“Lots of lanolin and concentrated lime, stewed peaches and everything seems to suggest super ripe years. There is a very attractive orange marmalade development and just a very gentle fizz. This didn’t evolve in the glass and was a mature example.”

Peter Crawford | @alavolee  Nov 2019

“Huge entrance. Notes of heather honey, fig and fruit cake. Really full and chewy.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 10

1976 | 1975 | 1973 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 9

1975 | 1973 | 1970 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 8

1973 | 1970 | 1969 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 7

1970 | 1969 | 1966 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

92/100 Essi Avellan | essiavellan.com  Sept 2012

“ An instant disgorgement with zero dosage tasted from magnum at the winery. Rich, pungent, coffee and mushroom nose. Full-bodied but losing fruit, fleshy and weighty but not so much freshness.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 6

1969 | 1966 | 1964 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 5

1966 | 1964 | 1961 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

18/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

Magnum “Quite forward on the nose, with lanolin and lime leading onto an abundance of stewed stone fruits and powerful orange richness, lime, pineapple and lots of dried fruits. Has balance of acidity and some herbaceous “petite liquorelle” notes. Showing well, the palate still lifts up fresh despite it being almost still, very impressive it is along its maturity curve but in super condition. Love the texture and overall balance in such and old champagne.”

Peter Crawford | @alavolee  Nov 2019

“I have had this a few times and each one delivers perfectly. Dark, rich, salty. The nose developed, the palate delightfully fresh. Chocolate cake and sultanas.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 4

1964 | 1961 | 1959 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 3

1961 | 1959 | 1955 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 2

1959 | 1955 | 1953 Grapes: 57% Chardonnay & 43% Pinot Noir

 

19+/20 Nick Baker | thefinestbubble.com  Nov 2019

Magnum “Oh this is a surprise, has power of orange zest, dark chocolate and coffee and is intense and wow the palate has real freshness holding it all together. The texture isn’t what you expect, there is some bitter ness and sour with real length. Going back a few minutes later the dark chocolate really comes out and orange marmalade with hints cooked pears with a sprinkling of star anise and vanilla. Very impressive indeed for a champagne originally released in the mid 1960’s!”

Peter Crawford | @alavolee  Nov 2019

“The first bottle was off the charts. Utterly seamless and delivering so much youthful and balanced energy. For a 60 year old wine this was unbelievably drinkable.”

 

Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration 1

1955 | 1953 | 1951 Grapes: 55% Chardonnay & 45% Pinot Noir

 

98/100 Essi Avellan | essiavellan.com  Sept 2012

“ An instant disgorgement with zero dosage tasted from magnum at the 200th anniversary of the house. So fine, elegant, layered nose of coffee, white fruit, honey, cream. Astonishingly youthful for the very first cuvée of Grand Siècle. Lacey, youthful, harmonious. The best word to describe it is complete. Sheer perfection hard to match. Great sip of Champagne history.”