2008 Laurent-Perrier Vintage Millésimé

A blend of equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that was disgorged with eight grams per liter dosage, the 2008 Brut Millésimé is showing nicely today, unwinding in the glass with aromas of green apple, pear, orange oil, spices and fresh bread. Medium to full-bodied, bright and precise, with tangy acids and a pillowy mousse, it concludes with a penetrating finish. This is aging very gracefully.

The polished LP style really works in high-acid years such as this (1996 was a previous favourite). The nose is rather perfumed and full of lifted fruit, and the mid-palate rather plush. Pithy grapefruit aromas create poise, with notes of vanilla and a superb dusting of autolytic toastiness through mid-palate to finish. Surprisingly full and complex, and quite enjoyable now, but further complexity and development are to be expected. A tiny bit of sweetness of unintegrated dosage on the finish. I’d cellar for a further 2-3 years.

This is a solid and very dense Champagne with a phenolic and rich texture. Layers of cooked apples and light lemon rind. Brioche and light pie-crust in the aftertaste. Fresh and relatively dry aftertaste.