Laurent-Perrier : La Cuvee

Earthy and mushroomy with spice and pear flavors that turn smooth and silky on the finish. Almost like a Cremant. Drink now. 10,000 cases made.

Based on the 2020 vintage and disgorged in December 2024 with a dosage of eight grams per liter, the latest release of Laurent-Perrier’s NV Brut La Cuvée opens with aromas of nashi pear, quince, peach and jasmine. On the palate, it presents a medium-bodied profile—taut yet somewhat lean—propelled by bright acidity and a youthfully frothy mousse, concluding with a subtle saline finish. Within the landscape of the grandes marques, high-volume entry-level cuvées are frequently eclipsed by other wines as one ascends the house’s hierarchy, and this is certainly true here: the wine is comparatively understated and fails to convey the depth one might reasonably expect.

Sourced from over 100 Grand Cru villages, this well-balanced and delicious Champagne is appley and creamy, with richer apricot and brioche toward the finish giving a soft impression.

This is lovely, the aromas and flavors run long into the finish with notes of light butter biscuits, subtle cooked apples and peaches. It’s full yet balanced and long. Lovely texture. Lots of flavor and polished-texture bubbles. The base in the current release is the 2016 vintage. 50% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir and 15% pinot meunier. Disgorged in December 2022. Drink now.

Deep aromas of citrus peel, smoke, minerals and spices, with a saline complexity. Ripe on entry, then dense and concentrated yet pliant and very smooth. Leads with strong, clear fruit tones of orange sorbet and lemon. A very ripe, accessible, well-balanced Champagne with excellent lingering fruit. In my tastings in recent years, this has consistently been among the best non-vintage brut bottlings from the major Champagne houses.

Pale golden yellow with silver reflections and a subtle mousse. Delicately tobacco-like on the nose, with some fine roasted aromas, a hint of meadow herbs, a nutty base note and some background mandarin zest. Slender on the palate despite the fine fruit sweetness, with a subtle acid structure and an already developed blossom honey note on the finish. Offers uncomplicated drinking pleasure, but had more momentum before. (PM).

The NV Champagne La Cuvée Brut is aged for 4 years and sees 8 grams per liter dosage. The nose is very pretty and elegant, with floral aromas of brioche and sweet orchard fruits. Fresh with apricot, it is expressive of its lovely Chardonnay character. The palate is soft and approachable, and in line with the nose. This is a great aperitif style to begin with. Drink now or over the following 10 years.

Based on the 2016 vintage with up to 30% reserve wines, La Cuvée Brut NV is a Chardonnay-dominant cuvée comprising over 50% of the blend, with 30–35% Pinot Noir and 10–15% Pinot Meunier. It aged four years on fine lees, was disgorged in 2023, and finished with a nine-gram-per-liter dosage. Golden yellow with lively effervescence, it shows showy, vibrant citrus aromas mingled with ripe quince, pomegranate, red currant, and white flowers. Medium-bodied with a very fine mousse, the palate has energetic acidity, citrus and stone-fruit intensity, and a chalky grip on the finish.

An aromatic profile that shows little complexity, in a slightly reduced, tight, cellulose-like style. The palate confirms this trend, with fairly rigid texture, an offbeat bead, and some final bitterness that throws the wine off balance.

(50% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier) The nose is fruity, delicate and elegant, with notes of Granny Smith apple, fine hints of lemon, mandarin, flowers and pineapple, along with a discreet note of apricot. The palate is fruity, lively, round, elegant and gourmet, offering a slight fleshiness. The effervescence is fine, abundant, creamy and bright. On the palate, this Champagne shows notes of pear, Granny Smith apple and lemon, with touches of mandarin, candied pear and sweet pineapple, as well as very fine hints of lemon and a twist of yuzu zest. Good length and persistence.

The nonvintage cuvée from this producer is definitely on the dry side. Like many Champagnes in the range, it has benefited from long aging before release, giving a wine that has richness as well as great fruits, hints of maturity coming through. Drink now.