Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Grand Siecle Alexandra Rose debut vintage 1982

Thanks Johnny for sharing such a rare find, and nice photos!  

Laurent-Perrier's Prestige Cuvee 'Grand Siecle' series are named after the era of the Sun King, Louis XIV -- Le Grand Siecle. This elegant bottle is a replica of the bottle blown in 1705, amidst the reign of Louis XIV. And the image of the Sun King adorns the cork cap and the label.

Laurent-Perrier Cuvee Grand Siecle Alexandra 1982 Brut Rose Champagne (750ml)

Rose de Saignee; Grape proportions: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Tasted in July, 2010

In 1987, as a wedding present for his elder daughter Alexandra, Bernard de Nonancourt, Owner of Laurent-Perrier, launched the debut vintage 1982 of this Prestige Rose. 

It is produced in tiny quantities, and the grapes are selected from some most prestigious crus in Champagne: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Verzenay and Tours-sur-Marne for Pinot Noir; Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for Chardonnay.

Having experienced the fresh, vibrant and crisp Alexandra Rose 1997 in the summer of 2008, we feel so fortunate now that Johnny secured a bottle of the extremely rare find debut vintage 1982. And our prayers are answered as the condition of this bottle turns out to be extremely healthy! Every sound bottle of good old vintage/mature champagne is a life-enhancing experience. This time, with no exception, is a grateful and unforgettable memory for me…

As Johnny uncorks the bottle, I hear a comforting crisp ‘pop’! The initial bouquet out of the bottle hints at notes of earth cellar and perfumed sandalwood, enchanting and thought-provoking!

First poured, pale salmon, more orange actually, with reflections of copper. And we are ecstatic to watch the massive tiny bubbles leisurely rising up -- we have the German collector to thank for the perfect cellaring for the past 2 decades!

Within 5 minutes, it opens up in the glass with luxurious, seductive aromas of raspberry and strawberry jam, with honeyed richness. Just a sip, and our hearts sing – wonderfully honeyed, syrupy red berry fruits spiced by liqueur-like flavors and then lifted by a fresh finale…the honeyed, syrupy red fruits just stick in my mouth and don’t let go…

The bouquet instantly evolves in the glass, revealing subtle notes of cigar, butterscotch and coffee, while the liqueur-like flavor is gaining more strength on the palate, intense and focused, without any heaviness. The finish is elegant and long…

10 minutes after uncorking: notes of butterscotch dominate the nose, while incisive minerality of sea saltiness penetrates the round, sweet, ripe red fruits to reach the driver’s seat.

12 minutes: with red fruits retiring, the taste layers are now dominated by such evolved flavors like coffee, sea salt and butter.

14 minutes, newly poured: aromas of sweet, ripe red fruits mingle with coffee and butter, superb! The taste is electrified by vibrant freshness in mineral splendor.

16 minutes: the nose becomes delicate and shy, while the taste is vibrant and intense, with a paste of butterscotch and sea salt.

25 minutes: serious scents of walnut oil add a new depth to the seductive bouquets of butterscotch and raspberry in alcohol, but the palate melts down and becomes somewhat hollow, leaving behind some hawthorn fruits only. Dropped?

33 minutes: this senior bubbly surprisingly revives, with returning depths of sea salt and butterscotch holding up the structure.

36 minutes: the perfume of sandalwood returns (first appears upon uncorking) -- this time joined by a subtle touch of toffee. Hawthorn fruits again, on the palate.

39 minutes: a lovely mix of perfumed sandalwood, raspberry in alcohol, and seaside note on the nose.

1 hour: the taste structure is still sound, with flavors of coffee and sea salt standing out.

A truly graceful rose in glorious maturity!