The House of Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 and remains in a single family’s control to this day. Begun by the Pierlot family, and after a few generations, bequeathed to their cellar master, Eugène Laurent. Following his accidental death, his widow, Mathilde Emilie Perrier, ran the house and eventually added her surname to her husband’s. Her daughter would sell to another widow, Marie-Louise de Nonancourt, in 1939 who’s sons were off fighting in World War II. Eventually, in 1945, her son Bernard de Nonancourt returned to his family’s estate, following his service in the Maquis underground, a vital component of the French Resistance forces. He immediately underwent a rigorous series of apprenticeships to learn all aspects of the family business – from tending the vines to working in the cellar, and even sales at Laurent-Perrier. Finally, at the end of 1948, at the age of only 28, he was appointed Chairman and Chief Executive of Laurent-Perrier. He was one of the rare owners of a Champagne House to have done all the jobs of his future employees.

Over the next several decades, he created the signature Laurent-Perrier style of freshness, finesse, and elegance that has served the house ever since. This Iteration #25 of the flagship Grand Siècle is based on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 vintages, with some 60% hailing from the now legendary 2008 growing season. The grape blend is a 55/45 split of chardonnay and pinot noir, with 9 different Grand Crus of the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims providing fruit to the final bottling. The aromatics here are truly stunning, floral and pretty, with roses, cherry blossom, and lilacs, followed by toasted almonds, with adjoining flavors of cherries and raspberries, then croissant dough, and marzipan. The long, smooth finish is punctuated with flint and pink peppercorns, and some fresh herb notes of tarragon and lemon verbena. Powerful, penetrating, and impeccably styled – this is just ascending into drinkability, with lots of potential for the future. That said, it’s fantastic right now. Our only wish is we could have gotten more! 5 cases, to the fastest among you!