Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle No. 27 Non Vintage

Disgorged in January 2025 with a dosage of seven grams per litre, the forthcoming NV Grand Siècle N°27 already demonstrates considerable promise. A blend of the 2015, 2013 and 2012 vintages—predominantly anchored in the youngest—it draws from eight villages, comprising 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, with an intentional emphasis on Chardonnay to counterbalance the concentration of Pinot Noir. The 2015 imparts expressiveness, echoing the 2012, while the cool, late-ripening 2013 contributes freshness and cut. Unfurling in the glass with aromas of pear, peach, lemon confit and freshly baked bread, framed by a subtle smoky reduction, it is full-bodied and concentrated, built around a generous and charming core of fruit, underpinned by tangy acidity driving toward a long, resonant finish. Slightly fleshier and broader shouldered than the Grand Siècle N°24 tasted alongside, it indicates yet another distinguished Grand Siècle in the making.

Impressively aromatic, showing honeysuckle, violets and lavender with bread dough and just a hint of light caramel as well as dried apples, cooked pears and tarte tatin. Reductive with graphite, stone and iodine. Some chalk too. Full-bodied but not at all heavy, turning almost weightless. Nine years on the lees and 7 g/L dosage give energy, length and form. Goes on for minutes. This will age beautifully but is already fascinating, evolving in the glass. Drink or hold.

To be launched early 2026. 65% 2015, 25% 2013 and 10% 2012. 60% Chardonnay from Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize and Cramant, with 40% Pinot Noir from Tours-sur-Marne, Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzy. Grand Siècle is meant to be greater than the vintage cuvée and is always Chardonnay-dominant. Only eight crus this time, although there is meant to be as many as 11. For Olivier Vigneron N°26 was more like a statue, a block, while N°27 is more vibrant and energetic. 10 years on lees. Dosage 7 g/l. Disgorged in January 2025 (as usual this cuvée in magnums will be released later. Great raciness and intensity on the nose! This is an early-developing iteration apparently. Richly nuanced and explosive. Attention-grabbing. On the finish it's really salivatory. Bone dry end. Tense again. Very rewarding. Takes you on a journey and eventually develops into a persistent whole.