96+

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The NV Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 26 is an elegant, sophisticated wine. The brighter side of Grand Siècle comes through nicely in the No. 26, a blend of vintages 2012, 2008 and 2007. Brisk acids cut through a core of citrus peel, white flowers, mint and chalk. Still very young, the No. 26 could benefit from a few more years in bottle. This is a terrific effort from Laurent Perrier that remains quite youthful and vibrant. Disgorged: September 2024. 04/2025

97

Richard Juhlin

Richard Juhlin

65% 2012, 25% 2008, 10% 2007. A wonderful and extremely subtle youthful masterpiece to wait a really long time for. Therefore, it feels a little unexpected that one of my most reliable and skilled journalist colleagues has named Iteration no 26 the world's best wine this year with a perfect 100 points. He doesn't mean now, does he? Or? Reading that note makes me even more convinced that I'm doing something absolutely right, and strangely unique, that awards two different points. A note for the wine's current quality at the time of tasting and one for its highest level when one day it is at its zenith. Because it really was, that wonderfully harmonious calm Thursday morning in November that the entire team of winemakers and managers at Laurent-Perrier agreed with me and Ulf Nilsson that we absolutely preferred all three magnum bottles of Iteration no 24, 23 and 20 at the moment which stood next to the 26th when these noble drinks require storage! Most impressive is the wine's silky seamless texture and perfect pearl necklace mousse. The florals are enormously beautiful with intense perfume from Capri's and Sorrento's lemon trees, acacia, lilies of the valley and the first newly sprouted wild honeysuckle on Marstrand. In these floral kingdom's most beautiful and most complex perfumes, green citrus, Tahitian vanilla and honey are the main ingredients and these aromas are also evident on their own after half an hour in the glass and a few spritzes of fresh chilled wine. The freshly laundered sheets are also included in the profile. However, the bready side and the roasted, yes almost grilled aromas we were so clearly met with from the magnum bottles are absent at the moment. Sublime, dense and ultra-stylish. Drink after 2027-2040. 09/2024

96+

Yohan Castaing

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The NV Brut Grand Siècle #26 is a stunning Champagne, revealing a complex, dense bouquet of confit citrus, white peach, white flowers, honey, beeswax and menthol. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and layered, it has a deep, fleshy core of fruit, bright acids, a vinous texture and broad shoulders, segueing into a long, mineral and delicately saline finish. Chardonnay remains the majority, making up 58% of the blend (sourced mainly from Le Mesnil), while Pinot Noir, primarily from Tours-sur-Marne, comprises 42%. This is a blend of the 2012 (65%), 2008 (25%) and 2007 (10%) vintages and was disgorged with a dosage of seven grams per liter. 10/2024

100

James Suckling

James Suckling

This is really something. Electric on the palate. The aromas are so complex with sliced fresh and dried ginger, subtle pie crust, tarte tatin and hints of nutmeg with some salted caramel. Toasted bread, too. Always subtle. The palate is full- to medium-bodied yet hemmed-in with a freshness and balance that draws you back. Savory and vibrant. It's full of energy. Spectacular. Fascinating. Symphonic blend of 2012, 2008 and 2007. 65% of the 2012, 25% of the 2008 and 10% of the 2007. Eight grand cru. Chardonnay 58% and 42% pinot noir. Disgorged February 2023. 10 years on the lees. 7g/L dosage. Drink or hold. 11/2023