Laurent-Perrier Champagne Grand Siècle brut 1988 OC

The Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Brut 1988 is an exceptional prestige champagne from a unique era in the House’s history. Unlike today’s releases, referred to as ‘iterations’, the 1988 vintage is part of champagne history and a testament to Bernard de Nonancourt’s creative vision.

Here is a detailed report on this legendary champagne.

1. Basic Information

2. Origin & Historical Background

The Laurent-Perrierhouse was founded in 1812, but experienced its golden age from 1948 onwards under the leadership of the visionary Bernard de Nonancourt. He was one of the few heads of a champagne house to have worked his way up through every level of the business.

The concept of the Grand Siècle emerged in the early 1950s from Nonancourt’s conviction that a single vintage could never produce the ‘perfect vintage’ . Instead, he created a cuvée that combines the best characteristics of several outstanding vintages. The first ‘multi-vintage’ cuvée was presentedin 1959, blending the vintages of 1952, 1953 and 1955.

The 1988vintage itself is regarded as an outstanding year in the Champagne region. During this period, the House of Laurent-Perrier was renowned for its innovations, such as the use of stainless steel tanks for fermentation to preserve the freshness and elegance of the wines. The Grand Siècle 1988 discussed here is a direct product of this era and philosophy.

3. The concept of the Grand Siècle & its iterations

It is important to understand that the Grand Siècle is not a classic vintage cuvée. The house takes a unique approach:

• The philosophy: “The art of blending allows us to create what nature will never give us: the perfect year.”

• The iterations: Modern Grand Siècle bottlings are referred to as “iterations” (e.g. No. 26) . They are a blend of three vintages, with the most recent vintage making up the majority (approx. 55–65 per cent).

• The 1988 vintage as part of the iterations: It is important to note that the Grand Siècle 1988 discussed here is not to be equated with today’s iterations. The 1988 vintage itself was used as a base or as part of a blend for later iterations. For example, iteration no. 14 consists of the 1988, 1985 and 1990 vintages. The Grand Siècle bottled separately as the 1988 vintage is a rare gem in its own right.

4. Character & flavour profile

After more than three decades of bottle ageing, the 1988 Grand Siècle displays a complex, mature profile that is highly regarded by collectors and critics alike.

• Colour: In the glass, it presents a pale amber hue .

• Nose: The bouquet is immediately intoxicating, unfolding aromas of hazelnut butter, apple, orange, caramel and spices. Other descriptions mention toasted brioche, honey and hazelnut.

• Palate: The champagne is opulent and complex, with notes of orange cream, honeyed pastries, apple, walnuts and mushroom. It impresses with a silky texture and a lingering, mineral salinity. There is sufficient acidity to perfectly balance the creamy richness.

Some tasting notes suggest that the wine may have peak and that some bottles may show slight fatigue . Others, however, describe it as an ‘ethereal wine’ and one of the best of the year. The quality depends heavily on the storage conditions and provenance of the individual bottle.

5. Rarity and availability

The 1988 Grand Siècle is a true rarity and is no longer available through regular retail channels. It now only appears occasionally at specialist retailers or at auctions.

Prices vary greatly depending on condition and retailer:

• approx. €345.00 (including VAT) from a German specialist dealer (excluding postage)

• approx. $492 (average price excluding tax)

• approx. HK$4,399 (approx. €520) from a retailer in Hong Kong

This price range is not unusual for wines of this age and rarity. The actual market value is largely determined by the condition of the bottle (level of wine, label, capsule) and its origin (provenance).

6. Conclusion

The Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Brut 1988 is far more than just an old champagne. It is a pieceofthe innovative corporate history of Laurent-Perrier and a living example of the philosophy of Bernard de Nonancourt, who, with the Grand Siècle, created the ‘perfect vintage’ by combining several exceptional years.

Its rarity, its origins in one of the most renowned houses in Champagne and its complex flavour profile, matured over decades, make it a highly sought-after collector’s item. For connoisseurs, it offers a rare opportunity to savour the vision of one of the great Champagne pioneers of the 20th century.