NV Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Les Reserves
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The NV Champagne Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée 20 Les Reserve was tasted from magnum and comes from the 1999, 1997, and 1996 vintages. This is the second edition of the Les Reserve, which is only released in magnums. (The first release was in 1959.) Pouring a similar medium straw/golden hue, the wine is intense in the glass, with a more pronounced yeast/bread aromatic profile in its notes of sweet citrus, shortbread, and melon. Ripe and rounded, with a fluffy, pillowing mousse, it feels a touch more decadent through the palate, likely from extra aging, with notes of floral honeycomb. It’s going to show well now or over the next 15 years or so.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Magnum. The 17th iteration of Grand Siècle. 60% 1995, 20% 1993, 20% 1990. 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir. Disgorged October 2016. 20 years on lees. Deep gold. Woo hoo! Really explosive cordite. Tight and fresh but with many nuances and extremely long. Creamy Chardonnay and some savoury notes. Lovely tight filigree texture. Masses of acidity – but lots of fruit too before a dry finish. Sort of like a really fine mature white burgundy but much fresher and more like a ballerina! (JR)
A late release with Cuvée 571J on the label. Magnum. Blend of 1995, 1993 and 1990 – kept in the cellar on the lees for 20 years. Disgorged February 2016. Pale greenish straw. ‘To allow people to judge our wines by their longevity’, say Laurent-Perrier. Still very delicate and fine. Very pure and absolutely fresh. Lime notes and attractive chew on the end. Really very Chardonnay and one would hardly reckon there was any 1990 in here because it’s so tense and fresh. (JR)
About the producer
Laurent-Perrier is one of the wine world’s most recognisable brands, most famous for its rosé Champagne and distinct bell-shaped bottle. Grand Siècle is Laurent Perrier's Non-Vintage Deluxe Cuvée is a blend of a number of exceptional vintages.