Laurent Perrier Alexandra 2004 Grande Cuvee Rose

Bernard de Nonancourt took the opportunity of his elder daughter Alexandra’s marriage in 1987 to create this vintage rosé Champagne, which expresses the very highest standards of the House. Laurent-Perrier, which also produces the benchmark non-vintage rosé champagne, was destined to produce a luxury cuvée rosé, an exclusive and rare wine which occupies a unique niche in its range. The wine-growing year began with a generally balanced winter followed by a mild spring. Although spread over time, the flowering period proved satisfactory, but outbreaks of hail following storms in spring and summer affected certain areas. Fortunately, September’s beneficial warm, dry weather saw an abundant, well-ripened harvest of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.

Grape varieties: Pinot Noir 80%, Chardonnay 20% Crus: Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay; and Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, and le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The selection of plots and vineyard sites for the perfectly ripe Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes was extremely stringent. During the maceration of the Pinot Noir grapes a small amount of Chardonnay was added. The delicate Chardonnay, blended with Pinot Noir produces a pale coloured wine with a uniquely complex aroma. The wine is aged for eight years prior to being disgorged. Appearence: A delicate, pale salmon pink. Persistent, very fine beading, forming a pretty ring of bubbles. Aroma: Complex, with hints of wild strawberries and redcurrant preserve, followed by notes of candied citrus. Taste: With its elegant finesse, Alexandra 2004 shows great minerality. Its soft, dry texture leads into a long finish reminiscent of berry fruit.

Based on synced-fermented 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from company-owned grand cru vineyards, the salmon-pink colored 2004 Alexandra Grande Cuvée Rosé displays a very subtle and fresh bouquet of great elegance and purity. Intense and complex on the palate, this is a very dry, fresh and tension-filled Rosé full of energy and delicacy. Very elegant and still a bit limey, but a great Champagne.