2004 Laurent-Perrier "Cuvée Alexandra" Brut Rosé Champagne

Tasted from magnum, the 2004 Grande Cuvée Rosé Alexandra, Laurent-Perrier’s flagship Rosé is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir (on the skins) and 20% Chardonnay vinified together that has only been bottled seven times since 1982. From the very first taste, the 2004 is utterly spectacular. Rich, ample and vertical in feel, the 2004 is dazzling. Dried rose petal, star anise, tobacco, dried flowers, red berry fruit and earthy notes all grace this utterly exquisite Champagne. As good as the 2004 is today – and it is fabulous – it will be even better in another few years’ time. The 2004 has been nothing short of magnificent on both occasions I have tasted it so far. (AG) (7/2019)

Aromas of peaches and light cherries with rust and hints of grapefruit. Earth and spice undertone. Full-bodied, fruity and spicy. Hints of black pepper. Extremely bright and creamy texture. Delicious and delicate finish. (9/2019)

Disgorged in 2012 after eight years sur lattes, the 2004 Brut Alexandra Grande Cuvée Rosé has really begun to develop some complexity after seven years on cork. Salmon-pink in hue, the wine wafts from the glass with a beautiful bouquet of blood orange, iodine, dried rose petals, aromatic bitters and tangerine. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, pure and racy, with a delicate pinpoint mousse, good concentration at the core and a long, saline finish. Readers who have had the foresight to cellar a few bottles should pop a cork or two, as this rosé is showing brilliantly. (WK) (4/2019)

First produced in the 1987 vintage to celebrate the marriage of owner Bernard de Nonancourt’s eldest daughter, this bottling is now mature. Ripe, it still retains plenty of red fruits while also allowing the toasty character to show through. It’s a rosé that calls for food, a rich and balanced wine that is just perfect to drink now. (RV) (12/2014)

Laurent-Perrier's flagship rosé is a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay from Grand Cru vineyards, and has been bottled only seven times since 1982. Dried flowers, rose petal, strawberry and spices appear on the succulent and elegant bouquet. There’s an engaging counterpoint between vinosity and minerality on the palate, with plenty of freshness. (YC) (11/2019)

Light, bright orange-pink. High-pitched red berry, orange zest and floral scents are underscored by an intense mineral nuance. Taut, linear and strikingly pure, offering deeply concentrated redcurrant and strawberry scents and hints of allspice, smoky lees and jasmine. Powerful yet lithe rose with superb finishing power, focus and mineral-driven persistence. (JR) (12/2013)

A luscious Champagne, this bristles with tight red raspberry and fresh floral notes. The flavors last with finesse, a sophisticated integration achieved through macerating Pinot Noir (80 percent) and Chardonnay together, allowing the skins of the Pinot Noir to bleed their color into the juice. Chef de cave Michel Fauconnet produces this wine only in top vintages, when the varieties ripen at the same time. (12/2016)

Aromatic notes of smoke and mineral herald this rich rosé Champagne, leading to a finely meshed mix of dried white cherry, toasted almond, spring forest and orange peel, carried on a soft, pearled bead. Fresh, with lightly mouthwatering acidity firming the fruitcake-laced finish. (AN) (11/2016)

Bernard de Nonancourt named his Grande Cuvée Rosé Millésimé after his daughter Alexandra, and unveiled it at her wedding in 1987. According to the producer: "Alexandra Rosé owes its unique style to a combined maceration of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay grapes (20%). The unusual blending levels, in the same maceration base, of Pinot Noir and then a proportion of Chardonnay, results in a delicate color, extreme finesse and aromatic complexity. It is only possible to make this great wine in certain years as the two varietals must ripen simultaneously. Only by seeking out the winey nature of the greatest Pinots Noirs and the trenchant minerality of the best Chardonnays, can Alexandra Rosé achieve the height of its incomparable expression, a subtle alliance of power and finesse. After the blend, this great wine will then age for at least eight years in the House cellars."