Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne NV 1500ml Magnum

Laurent-Perrier has been a family Champagne house since 1812, based in Tours-sur-Marne in the Montagne de Reims, and La Cuvée is its flagship non-vintage Brut, made in a style that’s “everything I love about Laurent-Perrier’s classic brut.” The house built its reputation on Chardonnay, finesse, and freshness, and it makes La Cuvée from “the purest grape juice,” the first and most delicate part of the pressing, a selection that gives the wine its cleanliness and elegance.

The blend is Chardonnay-led, at more than 50% (roughly 50 to 55%), with 30 to 35% Pinot Noir and 10 to 16% Pinot Meunier, depending on the release, drawn from more than 100 different wines from over 100 crus, with up to 30% reserve wines. It ages for at least four years on the lees, well beyond the appellation’s requirement, and is dosed at 8 g/L. It’s 12% ABV. As one K&L staff reviewer put it: the Chardonnay-heavy blend and longer aging give the wine “a Champagne with a near blanc de blancs character, singing with Puligny-Montrachet-like lime and vibrant chalk.”

The house’s tasting note: “pale gold in color,” with “vine peach and white fruit notes,” “citrus and white fruits notes and a remarkable balance supported by a subtle effervescence,” ideal as an aperitif or with “poultry and the finest fish.” Critics have rated it consistently in the 90s. Wine Spectator’s Alison Napjus scored the 1.5L magnum 91: “This elegant Champagne has a lithe, supple feel to it, with the delicate mousse carrying a fine range of nectarine, ripe green apple and white cherry fruit and accents of grated ginger, elderflower and biscuit. Long, minerally finish.” She scored a newer release 92: “Fragrant on the nose, showing notes of chalk, smoke and toast. This brightly buoyant Champagne features flavors of pear, black cherry, tangerine peel, spun honey and white blossoms, with a delicate but persistent perlage.” The Wine Independent’s Sarah Mayo scored it 92: “Chardonnay dominant... a blend of 52% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 13% Pinot Meunier,” James Suckling 93 to 94, John Gilman 91, Wine Enthusiast 91, Decanter 90, Wine & Spirits 90, Vinous 90, and the Tasting Panel 95, with the Wine Advocate at 88 to 91. Decanter’s note: “A very ripe, accessible, well-balanced Champagne with excellent lingering fruit. In my tastings in recent years, this has consistently been among the best non-vintage brut bottlings from the major Champagne houses.” (Scores are for the 750ml bottle; the magnum holds the same wine.)

The 1.5-liter magnum holds two bottles’ worth, about ten glasses, and it’s one of the best-value ways to buy a quality Champagne for a crowd: large formats keep the wine fresher and age it more slowly, and as K&L’s staff noted, “the Magnum ages beautifully, much appreciated with the larger Chardonnay component. A beautiful choice for your next party.” It’s a graceful, fresh, dry aperitif for weddings, holidays, and celebrations, and it pairs with oysters, fish, poultry, and soft cheeses. Serve it at 8-10°C in a white wine glass.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut is produced by Champagne Laurent-Perrier in Tours-sur-Marne, Champagne, France (since 1812), a non-vintage blend of Chardonnay (50-55%), Pinot Noir (30-35%), and Pinot Meunier (10-16%) from over 100 wines, first and most delicate press only, up to 30% reserve wines, at least 4 years on lees. Dosage 8 g/L. 12% ABV. Presented in a 1500ml magnum, equal to two standard bottles.

Critics Reviews

Scores are for the standard 750ml bottle unless noted; the magnum holds the same wine. Releases vary.

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator — 91 Points (1.5L magnum, November 2023):
“This elegant Champagne has a lithe, supple feel to it, with the delicate mousse carrying a fine range of nectarine, ripe green apple and white cherry fruit and accents of grated ginger, elderflower and biscuit. Long, minerally finish.”

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator — 92 Points (November 2024):
“Fragrant on the nose, showing notes of chalk, smoke and toast. This brightly buoyant Champagne features flavors of pear, black cherry, tangerine peel, spun honey and white blossoms, with a delicate but persistent perlage.”

Sarah Mayo, The Wine Independent — 92 Points:
“La Cuvée Brut NV is a Chardonnay dominant cuvée comprising +50% of the blend with 30-35% Pinot Noir and 10-15% Pinot Meunier.”

James Suckling — 93–94 Points · The Tasting Panel — 95 Points · John Gilman — 91 Points · Wine Enthusiast — 91 Points · Vinous — 90 Points · Wine & Spirits — 90 Points · Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 88–91 Points

Decanter — 90 Points:
“A very ripe, accessible, well-balanced Champagne with excellent lingering fruit. In my tastings in recent years, this has consistently been among the best non-vintage brut bottlings from the major Champagne houses.”

K&L Wines staff (on the magnum):
“The Magnum ages beautifully, much appreciated with the larger Chardonnay component. A beautiful choice for your next party.”

Laurent-Perrier (winemaker’s notes):
“The wine comes from the purest grape juice and it alone allows Laurent-Perrier to craft ‘La Cuvée’, a champagne of great finesse and a beautiful freshness obtained after a long ageing process in our cellars.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Pale gold with fine bubbles. Pear, nectarine, green apple, peach, and white flowers, with elderflower, lemon, mandarin, and notes of chalk and toast.

Palate
Lithe and supple, with ripe pear, white cherry, grated ginger, biscuit, tangerine peel, and spun honey, with a delicate mousse and fresh acidity.

Finish
Long and minerally, with toasted almond and a smoke-tinged edge.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Oysters and fine fish
• Roast poultry
• Soft cheeses
• Light appetizers and canapés

Serving Note

Serve at about 8-10°C in a white wine glass rather than a flute.