Laurent-Perrier : Vintage 2004

An utterly fine vintage in Champagne

The producer

Founded in 1812, the Laurent-Perrier Champagne House reached its golden age in 1948, thanks to Bernard de Nonancourt's dynamism. Under the leadership of this visionary businessman, the house stood out by producing vintages that reflected its values of excellence and innovation.

Since its very beginnings, the house has built its identity around Chardonnay. Through the freshness and finesse that it brings to the blend, this grape variety has become the signature style of this Champagne reference.

Laurent-Perrier's avant-garde approach is reflected in Grand Siècle and its multi-vintage blends, its Ultra Brut with a "zero dosage" style and also its Cuvee Rose, the first rose champagne in this category. These original "breakthrough" cuvées, each creation being subject to an event, mark a new page in the history of Laurent Perrier and its quest for excellence, for which it is internationally renowned.

The quintessence of Bernard de Nonancourt’s cherished values are in the Laurent-Perrier cuvées, unanimously recognized by connoisseurs.

The wine

The unique Laurent-Perrier Champagne House declares a vintage every other year whereas the rest of the Champagne region declares a vintage more than three years out of four on average. This decision has led to the house's well-established international reputation. Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé 2004 is the fruit of an exceptional year and a rigorous selection of highly aromatic and rich grapes from the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Grands Crus.

The vintage

The vintage began with a mild winter, followed by a rather mild spring. The flowering, even if this phase was spread out, went well. Episodes of hail and gullying following the spring and summer storms affected 3300 hectares in 44 communes. Fortunately, in a few days, the pattern was broken thanks to a glorious Indian summer: twenty or so sunny days, alternated with relatively cool nights, very favourable conditions for the ripening of the grapes.

The blend

Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé 2004 is an exceptional cuvée that comprises 50% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs and 50% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims.

Vintage 2004 by Laurent-Perrier: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé 2004 exhibits a beautiful golden yellow colour with fine, persistent bubbles and a fine foam.

Nose

The nose is fresh and open with notes of candied fruit and compote.

Palate

This round and well-balanced Champagne provides a pleasant attack on the palate which ends with a fresh and complex finish.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve between 9 and 11°C.

Food and wine pairing

Laurent-Perrier Brut Millésimé 2004 will pair with a rabbit terrine with hazelnuts, a white fish soufflé (pike-perch or sea bass) with a tangy cream sauce, a fish or scallop pot-au-feu, chicken stew or a nice fruity comté cheese.

Score

Guide Bettane + Desseauve 2016: 17/20