2012 Laurent-Perrier Millesime Brut, Champagne

Light-mid yellow, pastry/bakery and gently toasted aromas, which accord with the rich savoury flavours, nicely balanced to a dry finish, with line and length and harmony. Totally satisfying Champagne. Drink 2023–2028

96 points Huon Hooke therealreview.com Sep 2023

2012 is the 30th opus of this cuvée. Since 1938, and the acquisition of Laurent-Perrier by the Nonancourt family, it has been crafted to be a subtle balance between ‘the house style and the vintage style,’ according to Michel Fauconnet, Laurent-Perrier’s chef de caves. The Pinot Noir, which comprises half the blend and which Fauconnet describes as very ‘powerful’, is sourced from five villages: Bouzy, Verzy, Aÿ, Mailly, and for the first time in the history of this cuvée, Rilly-la-Montagne, which is not a grand cru village. The Chardonnay, which makes up the other half of the blend, is sourced from the villages of Le-Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Cramant and Chouilly. ‘The year 2012 was characterised by successive climatic accidents. There was a major winter frost as well as a spring frost, not to mention 10 or so episodes of hail, causing significant damage. A hailstorm on the seventh of June caused extensive damage in various villages,’ said Laurent-Perrier. In spite of this, the dry and sunny summer brought about a beautiful maturity. With an energetic yet bright bouquet, the Laurent-Perrier 2012 possesses gorgeous aromas of orchard fruits, herbs, lemon and spices, with a hint of menthol. Calcareous on the palate, the structure is medium- to full-bodied, with a laser-like texture and a long and penetrating finish. It is undeniably one of the frank successes of the vintage, and while it has no need for further ageing, it may surprise us even further in the future.

93 points Yohan Castaing decanter.com

Elegant array of lemons, slate, biscuits, oyster shells, croissants and brioche. Precise and focused on the palate, with sharp acidity and tight, fine bubbles. Pure and youthful for now. 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot noir. Dosage 8g/L. Drink or hold.

94 points jamessuckling.com July 2022

The 2012 Laurent-Perrier Millésimé Brut is a classic vintage Champagne from one of the most respected houses in the region. Laurent-Perrier has a long history of crafting elegant Champagnes that emphasise purity, finesse and freshness, and their vintage bottlings are produced only in outstanding years. The 2012 vintage in Champagne was a challenging season early on but turned into one of the greatest of the century, producing wines with concentration, balance and excellent ageing potential.

The cuvée is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards, carefully selected to showcase both structure and delicacy. Laurent-Perrier’s style favours minimal dosage, extended ageing on lees and a focus on crispness and clarity.

In the glass, the 2012 Millésimé Brut shines pale gold with a fine, persistent bead. The nose is expressive and layered, with aromas of citrus zest, white peach and pear alongside toasted brioche, hazelnut and subtle floral notes. On the palate it is precise and elegant, offering lemon curd, apple, stone fruit and chalky minerality balanced by creamy texture and vibrant acidity. The finish is long and refreshing, carrying both fruit purity and savoury depth.

Food pairings highlight its sophistication. It is superb with oysters, caviar, lobster or seared scallops, but also works beautifully with roast chicken, mushroom vol-au-vent or even aged Comté. With 12 to 15 years of cellaring potential, the 2012 will evolve into something more honeyed, nutty and complex while retaining its fresh backbone.

Critics greeted this vintage warmly, with scores in the 92–95 range from major wine publications. Reviews highlight its balance of richness and tension, with many considering 2012 one of the house’s best recent vintages. It is a Champagne that appeals equally to collectors and those looking for a luxurious celebration bottle.