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Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle: vertical tasting

Charles Curtis MW tastes through eight versions of Laurent Perrier’s flagship cuvée, dating back to 1973.

The quest for perfection in Champagne is not new – the struggle goes back at least to the original Dom Pierre Pérignon in the late 17th century.

By the middle of the 20th century, several prestige cuvée Champagnes had already been created that still delight wine lovers today, including Cristal, Salon and Dom Pérignon.


Scroll down to see scores and tasting notes for eight versions of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle


The vision

In the 1950s, there was another wave of innovation. Taittinger Comtes de Champagne and Bollinger RD were both introduced with the 1952 vintage.  However, Bernard de Nonancourt decided to take a different path at the newly revived Laurent-Perrier.

In 1952 he set out to recreate the perfect year. De Nonancourt believed, much as Dom Pérignon had before him, that a Champagne that layers many elements will be superior to one that is not blended. His vision of the ultimate cuvée accordingly blended both grape varieties and vintages.


Laurent-Perrier: 8 versions of Grand Siècle

Wines are shown by version, in descending order. Iterations 23 and 24 are available in the UK from selected merchants, including The Champagne Company, Hedonism and The Finest Bubble. Iteration 25 is yet to be released to the trade.


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