Laurent-Perrier : Millésimes Réserves 2006

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Millésimes Réserves 2006 by Laurent-Perrier

Tasting

Appearance
The Millésimes Réserves 2006 Laurent-Perrier shows a deep, brilliant golden hue with slightly amber highlights and a fine bead of bubbles, a sign of its long maturation on the lees.

Nose
The nose opens with evolved aromas of dried fruit, brioche and pastry, complemented by notes of candied citrus, delicate honey and dried flowers, reflecting the harmonious evolution of this vintage champagne.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is broad and fresh, carried by a fine effervescence. The mid-palate reveals a creamy texture, with flavours of stone fruit, dried fruit and toasted bread, supported by a still lively acidity that draws out the long, mouthwatering finish.

Food and Wine Pairings

The Millésimes Réserves 2006 Laurent-Perrier will pair beautifully with refined dishes such as scallop carpaccio, lightly seared premium fish, roast poultry or hard cooked-curd cheeses such as aged Comté. It can also be served as a gastronomic aperitif to showcase its aromatic complexity.

Serving and Cellaring

The Millésimes Réserves 2006 Laurent-Perrier is best enjoyed between 9 and 11°C, served in large champagne glasses to enhance its aromatic expression. A few minutes of aeration in the glass will allow it to reveal its full complexity. This champagne is now at peak maturity but can still be enjoyed until around 2030, provided it is stored in good conditions.

The Elegance and Aromatic Expression of a Vintage Champagne from Maison Laurent-Perrier

The Estate

Founded in 1812 in Tours-sur-Marne by André-Michel Pierlot, the Champagne House Laurent-Perrier has passed through several generations before coming, in 1939, under the ownership of the de Nonancourt family. Today, the Executive Board is chaired by Stéphane Dalyac, alongside Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, the daughters of Bernard de Nonancourt. Located in the heart of the Grand Cru village of Tours-sur-Marne, at the crossroads of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs, the House has remained family-owned and independent, relying on a vineyard of around 150 hectares and on pioneering expertise, notably the early use of stainless steel tanks.

The Vineyard

The Laurent-Perrier vineyard extends over approximately 150 hectares, mainly spread across the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs, supplemented by grapes sourced from partner growers over nearly 1,300 additional hectares. The House's parcels are located notably in the Grand Cru villages of Bouzy, Ambonnay and Tours-sur-Marne, terroirs historically favoured for Pinot Noir. All of the vines under direct ownership are managed using environmentally friendly methods, which in 2018 enabled the House to obtain the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne and High Environmental Value (HVE) certifications across all of its parcels.

The Vintage

The year 2006 began with a cold winter, followed by a mild spring with few frost episodes. The summer proved contrasting, with a hot, stormy July followed by a cooler, rainier August. These conditions produced ripe grapes, requiring particular vigilance to preserve the balance between maturity and freshness.

Vinification and Ageing

Like all of the House's cuvées, the Millésimes Réserves 2006 is vinified in stainless steel tanks, a practice adopted by Laurent-Perrier in the late 1970s to preserve the aromatic purity and freshness of the base wines. The final blend draws on the House's expertise, renowned for its mastery in combining the different crus from its vineyard.

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir, Chardonnay