Grand Siècle Iteration #25: Champagne Doesn’t Get Better

I have been waiting for the release of the 25th iteration of Grand Siècle for years, and, now that it is here, I am happy to say it has delivered on all my expectations. This new release is composed of 65% from the 2008 vintage, 25% from the 2007 vintage, and 10% from the 2006 vintage—as usual they’ve blended three vintage years together to recreate the “perfect” vintage. The composition is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards. The Chardonnay is from Avize, Cramant, Oger, and Mesnil; the Pinot Noir is from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Tours-sur-Marne, and Mailly. After 12 years of ageing on the lees, this wine is in perfect harmony at just 7 grams per liter of dosage.  

We tasted this great release with Edouard Cossy, the global director for Grand Siècle, who had flown in from Tours-sur-Marne for the release of this wine, as well as Naomi Smith, Laurent-Perrier USA’s Vice President of sales. They brought along iteration #24 as well as the #23 and #22 in magnum. It was an incredible tasting.

The Laurent-Perrier "Grand Siècle" Iteration #25 Brut Champagne has a pale white gold color after its more than 14 years of age, and a wonderful bead of precise bubbles. The bouquet has high-class brioche framed by hazelnut cream and subtle lime zest. What a perfume! In the mouth it reminded me very much of the few times I have tasted Coche-Dury Puligny Montrachet “Les Enseignieres,” with a limey drive that shows so much concentration but also seems weightless. The finish went on and on—this is truly a wine of hidden power—the grace and balance hide the strength inside this great bottle.

A toast to you!

- Gary Westby, K&L Champagne Buyer