Wine Advisor
Laurent Perrier, Alexandra Grand Cuvee Rose 2012
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Kristaps Karklins
A blend of 80% Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Mailly-Champagne and Verzenay, combined with 20% Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Laurent-Perrier’s 2012 Alexandra Rosé was disgorged in December 2023 with a dosage of seven grams per liter. Here, Pinot Noir juices—typically macerated for 48 to 72 hours—are co-fermented with Chardonnay musts, resulting in a wine of considerable complexity. Presenting a deep ruby hue, the wine unfurls from the glass with aromas of wild strawberry, pomegranate, blood orange and black velvet gooseberry. Medium- to full-bodied, satiny and beguiling, it reveals a flamboyant core of fruit, underpinned by succulent yet vibrant acidity and culminating in a perfumed, gently phenolic finish. Elegantly muscular and harmonious, it is a wine that compels one to refill the glass, confirming the adage that the best bottles are those that are swiftly emptied.
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.
