Celebrating the True Power Couple: An Evening of Laurent-Perrier and Caviar
On Wednesday evening, K&L San Francisco welcomed a dynamic, female-led team for a celebration of one of the most revered pairings: caviar and Champagne. A group of 15 guests joined the K&L team to delve into the complexities of flavor, texture, and terroir inherent in both Champagne and caviar.
Naomi Smith, Vice President of Sales for Laurent-Perrier and a longtime friend of K&L, guided guests through an enchanting line-up of Laurent-Perrier’s top cuvées. Her extensive knowledge of Champagne and Laurent-Perrier was evident as she introduced guests to an array of offerings, starting with the renowned maceration-method Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Rosé" Brut Rosé Champagne $84.99 and moving on to a rarely declared vintage cuvée, the 2012 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne $74.99. The tasting would not have been complete without James Suckling’s Wine of the Year, 100-point Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #26 Brut Champagne $249.99. As a special treat, Laurent Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #23 Champagne Magnum (1.5L) $529.99 99JS, based on vintages 2002, 2004, and 2006 with 14 years of lees aging, was served out of a magnum, rounding out a comprehensive and retrospective experience of this legendary house.
Deborah Keane, founder and CEO of California Caviar Company, also known as the "Caviar Queen," joined Naomi to present some exceptional pairings. Her expertise illuminated the nuances of different regions and types of caviars, highlighting why salty, rich caviar pairs so beautifully with complex, texture-driven Champagne. Keane's commitment to sustainability and high-quality products was evident in the divine caviars she presented. Her transparency and unique expertise lend to deliciously accessible caviars that make an ideal addition to any holiday table, or indeed, any table at any time of the year!
A recurring theme of the evening, beyond decadence, was "history." Both Keane and Smith provided insights into the vibrant and sometimes tumultuous history of Champagne and Laurent-Perrier, as well as the intricacies of the international caviar trade and import programs. Laurent-Perrier’s campaign “It Takes Time To Become an Icon” perfectly encapsulates these ideals. Their Grand Siècle bottling is a tribute to said history, blending the very best of recent vintages into a wine that's both ready to enjoy and ready to cellar—an exceedingly rare combination.
Fear not if you missed this exquisite event. K&L plans to partner again with Laurent-Perrier and the California Caviar Company in 2024 to present more unique experiences. To be notified first of luxury events and tastings, please reach out to [email protected].
- Chelsea Herholdt, K&L Key Accounts Specialist