Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Nº 26 - James Suckling Wine of the Year 100 pontos

Champagne vintages are synonymous with excellence, despite significant variations in style, expression and quality from one to the next. Grand Siècle seeks a perfection beyond individual vintages , aiming to recreate "the perfect year", which nature alone cannot provide.

The 26th iteration of Grand Siècle was released to great critical acclaim, including a perfect 100-point score from James Suckling.

White-gold in colour, with delicate, persistent bubbles, it offers a very complex nose blending honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter, followed by notes of hazelnut and a touch of honey. The mouthfeel is very delicate and fresh, with candied lemon and fresh hazelnut. The palate is silky and mineral, with notes of honeysuckle, flaked almonds and clementine.

James Suckling - This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex, with fresh and dried sliced ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with a little salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full to medium-bodied, but restrained, with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Tasty and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - Unfurling in the glass with aromas of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus mingling with hints of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, zesty acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making.

Wine Spectator - A graceful Champagne, with flavours of blackberry and black cherry fruit, toast, blanched almond and grapefruit peel, graphite and fleur de sel gliding over the satiny mousse. Vibrant acidity sculpts fine definition, letting the detailed profile expand on the palate, while mineral hints of chalk and oyster shell linger on the finish.