Champagne Laurent-Perrier, Grand Siècle No. 24, Brut

The NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 24 magnum) is an elegant, gracious Champagne. Citrus and floral notes lend considerable aromatic presence. The No. 24 is built on persistence and length. It is an especially airy, delicate Grand Siècle. Hints of dried lemon peel, white flowers, mint, white pepper and a touch of reduction linger on the close. The No. 24 is especially fine in magnum. Freshness, verve and cut are the signatures, with the energy of 2007 and 2004 driving the feel of this blend.

Drink 2024 - 2039

Dosage: 7g/L

This iteration has slightly more Pinot Noir than in the current blend 55%), coming from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Mailly, Tours-sur-Marne and a bit from Verzenay. The Chardonnay 45% of the blend) comes from Avize, Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Le Mesnil. The overall impression is of a lovely, creamy wine with rich aromas of ripe apple and just a hint of tropical passion fruit aromas. The blend is 60% from the 2007 vintage and 20% each from 2006 and 2004. This wine is opening now but will hold for decades if properly cellared.

Drink 2022 - 2065

This magnum edition was disgorged in 2023, while the bottled version was disgorged in 2018. Dosage 7 grams. 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. A blend of 2007, 2006 and 2004.

The opulence and freshness with phenolic tension is fascinating. The brioche and lemon tart notes with hints of mangoes and honey are intense and true. Flint undertones. Full-bodied and very layered, with ultra-fine bubbles and a silky and tiny-pearled texture. It’s round and rich with a mineral undertone to the ripe fruit.

Drink or hold

Magnum release always four to five years later than the bottle release). Blend of 60% 2007 with 20% each of 2006 and 2004. 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir.

What a difference from the No 24 in bottle, released in 2019 and tasted two years ago! Much, much more evolved on the nose than the bottle release. Golden-creamy somehow. Just gorgeous! Tight-knit, like all Grands Siècles, with strong citrus notes, a certain toastiness and a richness on the mid palate that tightens to a dry, appetising finish. Really vigorous and assertive without being too showy. Long and the most luxurious aperitif imaginable. Drinking dates suggested for this magnum release ...

Drink now to 2040.

Tasted from magnum, a format that won't come to market for another year or two, Laurent-Perrier's NV Brut Grand Siècle 24 is a blend of the 2007, 2006 and 2004 vintages. Wafting from the glass with a lovely bouquet of dried flowers, toasted nuts, mandarin orange, clear honey and subtle hints of iodine, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and expressive, with all the elegant charm and accessibility it displayed when I reviewed it for the first time last year. As I wrote then, this is an especially giving rendition of Grand Siècle that will show well young.

Drink now to 2040