Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Grande Cuvee Rose Brut 2004 

Champagne (750ml)                        Photo by Laurent-Perrier.com

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In 1987, as a wedding gift for his elder daughter Alexandra, Bernard de Nonancourt, Owner of Laurent-Perrier, launched the debut vintage 1982 of this Prestige Rose, produced in tiny quantities with grapes 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, with grape proportions of about 80% Pinot Noir & 20% Chardonnay.

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Tasted in March 2015.

Warmth of flaring winter sunset, with calmness of amber hue.

Mesmerizing aromas of candied citrus peel, cherry in alcohol & dried rose petal, soon penetrated by roasted notes of acidic coffee as well as smoky mineraliy from fine Chardonnay. On the palate, the fruit flavors (candied citrus peel & cherry in alcohol) are rather light, making the mineral smokiness, fine bitterness (reminiscent of dark chocolate) & even a metallic feel dominant from the mid palate onto the finish.     

2004 is the lightest vintage ever for Alexandra Rose, where the mineral linearity & austerity come to the fore. While 04 is still very serious stuff, I'm sure the palate-staining red berry flavors of 82, the crispness of 97 as well as the enchanting aroma & fleshy texture of 98 Alexandra Rose would undoubtedly conquer more hearts.