Laurent-Perrier : Héritage

This sleek and harmonious Champagne is defined by chiseled acidity, a vivid driver for tightly meshed flavors of poached quince and white cherry fruit, preserved lemon, pastry, delicate ginger and anise. Long and creamy, with a minerally finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Drink now through 2030.

The NV Brut Héritage, blended exclusively from reserve wines with half from Grand Crus, consists of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir and spent at least four years on lees. Lemon oil suffused with smoke and rye bread rind creates a subtle but enticing scent on the nose. Frothy, lively bubbles on the palate somewhat detract from the wine's underlying smoky nuance, which shimmers between smoky plum, sponge cake and lemon. This lovely wine will benefit from a little more bottle age. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. (Lot LP03UK10724E) - Anne Krebiehl MW

Pale straw yellow with silver reflections and a fine, persistent mousse. Ripe white stone fruit, mango, a hint of marzipan and brioche, with candied lime zest too making for an attractive, ripe bouquet. Juicy on the palate with good complexity and a pleasantly creamy texture. The white apple core brings subtle extract sweetness and good freshness, with a fine nougat touch to finish. A multi-faceted food companion, a novelty of the house composed exclusively from reserve wines. (PM)

A pale golden-yellow palette, the nose shows a fine reduction, defined by a cool, root-like character; the patina of reserve wines comes through with a controlled, subtle oxidation. The palate is slender, not very dense, this

The NV Champagne Heritage Brut is Laurent-Perrier’s approach to celebrating their reserve wine. Since 1959, they have had Grand Siècle, and Heritage is another way to honor that philosophy, made entirely from reserve wines. A unique cuvée and a premium non-vintage expression, it carries all the complexity of the reserve base on the nose, with notes of fresh macaroon, meringue, citrus candies, pear, and all the floral prettiness. It’s still medium-bodied but has a lovely, rounded feel, with refreshing acidity that stays very well-balanced. Very pretty, I really like this one. The goal is to build from four vintages – 2019, 2018, 2016, and 2014 – drawn from 40 different crus and representative of 55% Chardonnay. It takes the same general idea as the Grand Siècle or a second wine, but in a more accessible form. Just drink it. Dosage is 6 grams per liter.

The inaugural NV Héritage from Laurent-Perrier is a new cuvée composed of 40 different crus, including grands crus and premiers crus, entirely crafted from vins de réserve. A tribute to the heritage and expertise of Grand Siècle, it offers up aromas of blanched almonds, spices, brioche, spring flowers and lemon oil, mingled with a lovely, smoky reduction. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and round, with a sappy, layered texture, it has a fleshy core of fruit enhanced by bright acids and a long, mineral finish. Chef de Cave Michel Fauconnet has crafted a stunning wine.