Laurent Perrier Millesimé 2006

Founded in 1812, Champagne Laurent-Perrier is one of the most important maisons in Champagne and a Group that includes Salon, among others, within its portfolio.  Bernard de Nonancourt is the man who has had the greatest influence on the history of this great champagne house, positioning it firmly at the forefront of quality.

Its current chef de cave, Michel Fauconnet, has been working for the maison since 1974, an example of the constancy and good sense of a champagne house that has managed to remain unconcerned by fads and fashions. An innovative and creative champagne house, Laurent-Perrier was one of the first to use stainless steel vats for low temperature fermentation, back in 1950.  In 1959, it launched Grand Siècle, the first non-vintage "cuvée de prestige" from a big champagne house.  It was also the first maison to launch a brut nature: the Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut ("sans dosage").

Appearance

Golden yellow with fine, long-lasting bubble.

Nose

Very fine and fruity with aromas of ripe citrus fruit and pleasant autolysis notes (brioche, toast). Floral hints.

Palate

Very rich, very fine, full and smooth across the palate, with fruity aromas and nutmeg spice.  Elegant, harmonious finish.

Comment

Vintage Laurent-Perrier is  produced exclusively in the best years, when they will only make the Vintage Brut, a unique and exceptional champagne.

It is produced from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in the most prestigious vineyards in the Montagne de Reims: Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay, and in the Côte des Blancs: Mesnil, Cramant, Oger, Chouilly.

A particular feature of this champagne is that its base wines are never aged in barrel, because Laurent-Perrier believes that this makes the wines heavy and creates premature oxydation.  Cellar ageing is a minimum of 96 months sur latte.

This champagne is the perfect illustration of the 2006 vintage, a mature year yet one of great finesse and balance.

Recommended with steamed lobster served with butter.