Laurent-Perrier Héritage Brut

The inaugural NV Héritage from Laurent-Perrier is a new cuvée composed of 40 different crus, including grands crus and premiers crus, entirely crafted from vins de réserve. A tribute to the heritage and expertise of Grand Siècle, it offers up aromas of blanched almonds, spices, brioche, spring flowers and lemon oil, mingled with a lovely, smoky reduction. Medium to full-bodied, enveloping and round, with a sappy, layered texture, it has a fleshy core of fruit enhanced by bright acids and a long, mineral finish. Chef de Cave Michel Fauconnet has crafted a stunning wine.

This new multi-vintage cuvée feels very at home in Laurent-Perrier's lineup, displaying some density and concentration evident in the choice of the reserve wines from all around Champagne which constitute the blend from 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2014. Led by 55% Chardonnay, with the balance Pinot Noir, there's a super-ripe, juicy orange fruit and tropical lilt to the profile here, with succulent apricot, pear and lemon peel pulled into quite a firm, tightly bound coil of structure. It's detailed with an energising, super subtle twist of quinine-like bitterness and some richer roasted almond notes hinting at maturity. For now it feels complete, yet not fully unwound. There's fine, compressed intensity here that will emerge beautifully with a little time on cork or, failing that, enough time to warm up in the glass.