One of the famed champagne houses, Laurent-Peerier was established in 1812 and is located in the heart of Champagne, in Tours-sur-Marne. Vines are set on limestone soil, highly chalky and showing the distinctiveness of the region. The chalk subsoil holds sufficient water, during dry spells and due its porous nature also provides good drainage when it is wet to prevent roots of becoming water logged, acting a bit like a sponge.
Laurent-Perrier produces a beautiful range of champagnes including one of the world’s most popular Rose champagnes. Their new NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne (OB, 93) is a masterful effort with incredible flavor range. I adored the 2012 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne (OB, 93) which shows off the brilliant richness of this vintage. Chef du cave Michel Fauconnet has been with Laurent-Perrier since August 1973. He had a great deal of work experience in the cellars after getting a certificate in agricultural engineering at the Agricultural College of Rethel (in the Ardennes region). He has served as Production Director and 'Chef de Cave', Laurent-Perrier’s Cellar Master, a position held since February 2004. A truly inspired story, he first began working for the company as a manual worker from 1974-76 before being promoted to the technical staff in 1980. A year later, he received the accolade of 'Chef de Cercle' and was responsible for Laurent-Perrier’s winery and the fermentation process of all of Laurent-Perrier’s wines. Michel Fauconnet took over from Alain Terrier, who retired after 30 years and to whom he was Executive Deputy. Learn more about this historic Champagne house at http://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/the-wines/
NV Laurent-Perrier ‘La Cuvee’ Brut Champagne- The outstanding NV Laurent-Perrier ‘La Cuvee’ Brut Champagne is composed of mostly Chardonnay with smaller parts Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, with 15-30% reserve wines blended in. This is generous and rich on the mouth with toasted hazelnuts, pastry crust and shades of Pink Lady apple. Drink 2023-2029- 91
NV Laurent-Perrier Brut Rose Champagne- Bright and wonderfully salty, the NV Brut Rose Champagne shows a silky mousse and is loaded with rich red fruit flavors on the palate. Showing serious tension and depth, this is a stunning example of NV Rose Champagne that is best consumed now and over the next ten years. Drink 2023-2033- 93
NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Ultra Brut’ Champagne- The NV ‘Ultra Brut’ was first made back in 1981. This zero dosage wine combines Chardonnay (55%) with Pinot Noir (45%). This is very fresh and finesse-driven with sourdough bread, Key lime rind, and notes of Gravenstein apple. Ripe and round on the mouth, this is a delicious rendition that would be a sensational match for fresh uni sushi. Drink 2023-2029- 92
NV Laurent-Perrier ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Brut Nature Champagne- The brilliant new Laurent-Perrier ‘Blanc de Blancs’ Champagne is sourced from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims. Once on the nose this takes on layers of white grapefruit zest, woven together with lemon rind dusted shortbread and shades of cardamom. The palate is rich and viscous with serious underlying tension. Fantastic to consume now, this will live on for another ten plus years. Drink 2023-2033- 93
2012 Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne- Coming from this outstanding vintage, the 2012 Brut Champagne benefits from a bit of air once opened. Layers of baking spice dusted French bread, Japanese pear, white peach and juicy honeydew melon all combine on the palate, with ginger accents. This is really a joy to drink right now at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2023-2033- 93