Laurent-Perrier Grand Siecle Alexandra Brut Rose 1998 Champagne (750ml)

                                                                                                           Photo by Johnny

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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.

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

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Tasted in May, 2014

Smooth, lush aroma of meaty Pinot greets the nose first, soon penetrated by intriguing depth of smoke. With further aeration, the bouquet picks up a lovely dark chocolate tone. Serious evolution with nuanced details. Real class & breed!

The fleshy red berry fruit is beautifully wrapped up in a vinous yet slightly creamy package. Vibrant acidity & palate-staining mineral salinity firm up the mid palate and imprint the flavors onto the vibrant, resonant finale.

Persuasive as the taste, it is the intriguingly evolving bouquet that wins my heart at the moment. This de luxe rose is just getting wild! It would gain more complexity from mid term cellaring.