Laurent-Perrier - Champagne Grand Siècle Iteration 26 Grande Cuvée NV (750ml)

Wine Advocate 96 points

"A blend of the 2012, 2008 and 2007 vintages, the NV Brut Grand Siècle #26 won't be released for another four or five years, but there is a great deal to anticipate, as it's a stunning young wine in the making. Unfurling in the glass with scents of crisp nectarine, pear and honeyed citrus fruit that mingle with notions of fresh mint, blanched almonds and iodine, the wine is full-bodied, concentrated and tightly wound, with broad structural shoulders, tangy acids and a long, intense finish. It's a great Grand Siècle in the making."

Decanter 96 points
"This iteration of Grand Siècle is almost entirely composed of two of Champagne's greatest recent vintages, so expectations are high. The wine more than meets them, tempering the generosity of 2012's fruit – ripe apricots, white peach, clementines and sunny, zesty citrus – with a pitch-perfect streak of 2008 tautness and structure. There are some fleshy, creamy notes of papaya and toasted white sourdough, but everything is as delicately rendered as expected and impeccably shaped, with a sleek, silky mousse. A little more approachable than Itération No. 25, it will welcome extended bottle age rather than demand it. The blend is 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir from eight Grand Cru vineyards. 65% is from the 2012 vintage, 35% from 2008 and 10% from 2007."

Vinous 96.5 points
"The NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 26 is exquisite. Light pastry notes, baked apple tart, lemon confit, spice and dried herbs are all beautifully amplified in a resonant, super-expressive Grand Siècle. All the elements are so well balanced. As good as the No. 26 is now, it is also incredibly young, with impressive weight, persistence and structure to age well for years. Today, it exudes texture and character, not to mention tons of class. Bright acids and floral overtones pull it all together on the palate-staining, saline finish. The blend is 60% 2012, 20% 2008 and 20% 2007."