Champagne, FranceLa Cuvée is Laurent Perrier's revamped entry-level Champagne, and a solid introduction to this house's portfolio. It's now predominantly Chardonnay (50+ percent), with pinot noir and pinot meunier playing more of a supporting role. It has a lovely, complex nose: good brioche character from aging four years on its lees; nuts from a healthy dose of reserve wines; and fresh citrus. There's good precision to the palate, though the mousse is soft and somewhat frothy. Finishes dry, even at 10 g/L residual sugar, thanks to its zesty acidity.Tasted: 31 October 2020Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceFirst encountered last year, La Cuvée is a revamped version of Brut NV. The update is made possible by the acquisition of excellent chardonnay vineyards in the Côte des Blancs back in 2004. With those vines now in play, the flagship Brut has been restyled to be chardonnay dominant. LP has been around since 1812, and has been a pioneer in the stainless steel fermentation process in Champagne. The blend is 55 percent chardonnay, 35 pinot noir, and 10 pinot meunier, from 110 growers, and the amount of reserve wine fluctuates between 20 and 30 percent. Best of all, the dosage has dropped three grams to 9 g/l. The nose is floral and citrus, with a touch of almond and hazelnut. There is a firm undercurrent of lemon that appeals. It would be perfect with lox.Tasted: 02 November 2019Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceLa Cuvée is a shiny and new revamped version of Brut NV, updated thanks to the house's acquisition of very good chardonnay vineyards back in 2004. Now that those wines have woven into the system, LP have revised their flagship to be chardonnay dominant. The LP La Cuvée is 55 percent chardonnay, 35 pinot noir, and 10 pinot meunier, from 110 growers. This is based on the 2012 vintage, with 30 percent reserve, and with four years on the lees. They've also lowered the dosage from 12.5 to 9 g/l, a hefty and welcome plummet. White florals, lemon biscuit, vanilla wafer and lightly toasted almond / hazelnut on a medium-bodied, finessed palate. There's a tight line of potent lemon peel that lingers on the finish. Acidity is lifted and the palate is bright, much more effortless and finessed than the NV of past. A lovely change, and reflection of the house.Tasted: 02 November 2018Tasted by: Prices: