Laurent-Perrier La Cuvee Brut, Champagne

Rich and layered with pie crust and dried apples. Hints of baked bread. Medium-bodied and structured with solid intensity. Lightly chewy with a flavorful finish. Some white pepper and just a hint of energetic bitterness. Reserve wines of 2019 and 2018. 52% chardonnay, 32% pinot noir and 16% pinot meunier. Dosage about 8 g/L. Drink now.

94 points jamessuckling.com

Laurent Perrier La Cuvée Brut is all about finesse, purity and effortless charm, a Champagne that has made the house famous around the world. Founded in 1812, Laurent Perrier has long been associated with a lighter, more elegant style, and La Cuvée sits right at the heart of that philosophy. Chardonnay plays the leading role, sourced largely from some of the best crus across Champagne, giving lift, precision and quiet sophistication.

The winemaking here is all about control and clarity. Gentle pressing, stainless steel fermentation and extended ageing on lees are used to preserve freshness and aromatic purity rather than overt richness. The house is known for its low dosage approach, allowing the natural balance of the wine to shine through. The result is Champagne that feels refined and composed, never heavy or showy.

In the glass, La Cuvée is beautifully expressive. Fresh lemon, lime and green apple notes sit alongside white flowers and a subtle chalky minerality. With time, hints of brioche and almond emerge, but everything remains focused and clean. The mousse is fine and persistent, giving a silky texture that glides across the palate.

This is an ideal aperitif Champagne, but it is also surprisingly versatile at the table. It pairs beautifully with oysters, sashimi, delicate seafood or simple dishes where freshness matters. While it is designed to be enjoyed young for its vibrancy, it will hold gracefully for several years, gaining gentle complexity while retaining its signature elegance.