Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Cuvee No. 26
(Champagne, France) - [JS 100, #1 Top 100 of 2023] [WE 97] [DM 96] [WA 96] [WS 95] [VM 94-96]

About the wine:

Vintage in Champagne is usually synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Contrarily, Laurent-Perrier believes that only the art of assemblage offers what Nature can never provide- the perfect year.

THE VISION: When Bernard de Nonancourt inherited the House from his mother in 1948 he held the ambition to position Laurent-Perrier at the highest level by creating a unique “Grande Cuvée”. By observing Nature, it became apparent that a Vintage even when exceptional, was not able to reach the perfection he sought. In Champagne each Vintage is different, revealing various characteristics and styles. Through the ‘Art of blending’, Bernard de Nonancourt realised that he could bring together these differing attributes and use their complementarity in order to create the perfection he dreamt of. Grand Siècle was founded upon this unique idea in 1959: to recreate the perfect year, the one that Nature, on its own, cannot provide.

THE EXPRESSION OF THE PERFECT YEAR: The expression of the perfect year is that of a great Champagne wine that has long ageing potential and over time develops depth, intensity and aromatic complexity yet retains its freshness and vibrancy.

THE PRINCIPLES: To reach this expression, Grand Siècle’s assemblage is based on principles that have now become immutable: • Three exceptional years, complementary in character are chosen from among the rare Laurent-Perrier vintages. • A majority of Chardonnay complemented by Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from a maximum of 11 Grands Crus within the 319 Crus of the Champagne region. • A minimum of 10 years ageing on lees in our cellars for bottles and longer for magnums, thus delaying their release by a few years.

ABOUT THE NAME: Le “Grand Siècle” (Great Century) is the name given to one of the most prosperous periods (17th century) in the history of France known for the  capacity of man, through his works, to create what Nature cannot. The name of Grand Siècle was chosen for Laurent-Perrier’s Prestige Cuvée based on this common vision to reach a perfection that Nature, on its own, cannot provide.

Blend:  58% Chardonnay, 42% Pinot Noir, 100% Grand Cru

Vintages: 2012, 2008, 2007

Cellar ageing: 10 years on lees

Dosage:  7 g/L

Ratings & Reviews:

100 Points, #1 Top 100 Wines of 2023 - James Suckling:
"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." (Jul 2023)

97 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
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.



96 Points - Decanter Magazine: 
"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. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight grand cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007." (Jun 2023)

96 Points - Wine Advocate:
"A blend of the 2012, 2008 and 2007 vintages, the NV Brut Grand Siècle #26 won't be released for another four or five years, but there is a great deal to anticipate, as it's a stunning young wine in the making. Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making." - William Kelley (Apr 2019)

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A graceful Champagne, with flavors of boysenberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit pith, graphite and fleur de sel gliding across the satiny mousse. Reveals racy acidity that sculpts fine definition, allowing the detailed profile to expand on the palate, while minerally hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2030." - Alison Napjus (web only 2023)

94-96 Points - Vinous Media:
"The NV Grand Siècle No. 26, a blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007, is absolutely gorgeous. Dried pear, smoke, crushed rocks and mint infuse a super-expressive, creamy Grand Siècle built on textural richness and resonance, with Chardonnay brightness very much front and center. I tasted the no. 26 from a trial disgorgement. Even in the earty going, it is extremely promising." - Antonio Galloni (Jul 2019)