Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle” No. 26 (750 ml)

100 bodova (Vino godine) – James Suckling

Ovo je sam vrh ponude kuće, spektakularni šampanjac u prekrasnoj boci. Ova iteracija (broj 26) je mješavina tri izuzetne berbe: 2012, 2008 i 2007. Mješavina 58% Chardonnay i 42% Pinot Noir – isključivo iz vinograda Grand Cru – odležava najmanje 10 godina na talogu.

Vrlo kompleksan nos nudi note cvijeta “Orlova kandza”, limuna, klementine i svježeg putera, praćenih lješnikom i blagim dodirom meda. Na nepcu je veoma delikatan i svjež, a takođe i svilenkast i mineralan sa nijansama kandiranog limuna, badema u listićima i svježih lješnika.

“Grand Siècle” znači Veliki vijek i u ovom slučaju se odnosi na 17. vijek, jedan od najprosperitetnijih perioda u istoriji Francuske. Bilo je to doba Luja XIV – Kralja Sunca – i stvaranja Versaillea sa svojim vrtovima koji su promovisali harmoniju, ravnotežu i savršenstvo. To je šarmantan znak na ideju da čovječanstvo može, radeći s prirodom, postići nešto značajno. Dizajn boce takođe podsjeća na stil ovog doba.

100 points (Wine of the Year) – James Suckling 

This is the very top of the House’s range, a spectacular Champagne in a gorgeous bottle.  This iteration (number 26) is a blend of three exceptional vintages:  2012, 2008 and 2007.  A blend of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir – exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards – it is aged at least 10 years on the lees. 

A very complex nose offers notes of honeysuckle, lemon, clementine and fresh butter, followed by hazelnut and a touch of honey.   On the palate it is very delicate and fresh, and also silky and mineral with candied lemon, flaked almond and fresh hazelnut nuances. 

“Grand Siècle” means Great Century and in this case refers to the 17^th century, one of the most prosperous periods in the history of France.  It was the era of Louis XIV – the Sun King – and the creation of Versaille with its gardens promoting harmony, balance and perfection.  It’s a charming nod to the idea that humankind can, when working with nature, achieve something momentous.  The design of the bottle is also evocative of the style of this era.