Wine Advisor
Laurent Perrier, Alexandra Grand Cuvee Rose 1998
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
From magnum, disgorged in 2021 with a dosage of six grams per liter, Laurent-Perrier’s 1998 Alexandra Rosé emanates aromas of wild strawberry, grapefruit and dried apricot, with a subtle hint of Timut pepper. On the palate, it is medium- to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, with a rich core of fruit supported by a vibrant spine of acidity. The wine culminates in a long, perfumed finish, where Pinot Noir’s phenolic presence asserts itself. Born of a challenging vintage that required meticulous selection at harvest and—true to the cuvée’s identity—composed of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with macerated Pinot Noir juices co-fermented alongside Chardonnay, it remains a distinguished effort that has matured with grace. It is time to drink it up.
About the Producer
Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 by André Michel but it was his cellar master Eugene Laurent, who ran it with his wife, Mathilde Emilie Perrier. After Eugene's death in 1887, Mathilde combined the 2 names and Laurent-Perrier was born. Post First World War I, Laurent-Perrier was very sucessful producing around 50,000 cases of Champagne unfortunatley when war broke out the business was hit hard. Mathilde hired Alexander Fletcher Keith Mackenzie to introduce and market Laurent-Perrier in the UK. In 1925 Mathilde died leaving the company to her daughter Eugenie. With another war looking likely Eugenie sold the company in 1939 to Mary-Louise Lanson de Nonancourt In 1948 it was Mary-Louise's son Bernard who took over the reigns becoming Laurent-Perrier's Chairman and Chief Executive, he remained and important part of the buiness until his death in 2010.
