Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne

Tautly textured, the Champagne is delicious with a poise between white and citrus fruits along with touches of maturity coming through. Drink this magnificent wine now for its great balance and intensity. *Cellar Selection* (RV)

This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. (TH)

The goal of every Grand Siècle release is to create the "perfect year," and Iteration #26 is as near perfect as you can get. The 100-point Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration #26 is a blend from three exceptional years - 2007, 2008, and 2012. The 2008 and 2012 vintages are two of the highest rated Champagne vintages of the 21st century! The cepages is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from 8 Grand Crus from 2012 (65%), 2008 (25%), and 2007 (10%) - all traditional cold weather vintages - and is aged for 10 years on the lees in LP's seven miles of caves dug out the Champagne's famous chalk soils. I've been very fortunate to taste man Grand Siècles and this is the best one I'ver had. It definitely lives up the hype of 100-point sore. A must have for your cellar or special event!

The house of Laurent-Perrier shows their blending prowess yet again with this iteration of Grand Siecle. Based around the 2012 vintage with 25% of reserves from 2008 and 10% from 2007, this champagne is elegant and fresh, but with an underlying brooding complexity from 10 years of ageing. Ripe citrus, Marcona almonds, and rich brioche aromas burst from the glass and continue on the palate, where they are joined by crisp apple flavors with an undercurrent of brambly berries and toast. With a bright, fresh attack, and a clean dry finish, this champagne is easy drinking, but with so much vinous power and complexity at its core. Grab a couple bottles while you can - this is drinking great today and will have even more to offer after a few years in your cellar!