Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne Grand Siècle No. 23 NV 1.5L

99 points James Suckling: "Dried lemons, salted almonds, oyster shells, croissants, iodine, baked apples, spices and some ginger notes. White pepper, too. Vibrant and fresh, with a distinct saline edge. I like the subtle spice character. So much subtle power and tension. 58% chardonnay and 42% pinot noir, from 2006, 2004 and 2002. 14 years on the lees, three or four more than the normal bottle release. Only available in magnum. Drink or hold. (6/28/22)"

99 points Falstaff Guide: "Pale yellow-green, silver reflections, very fine, persistent mousseux. Delicately underlaid with cookie and nuts, fine yellow tropical fruit, a hint of lime and orange zest, mineral touch, almond cake and floral nuances. Taut, tightly woven, white peach fruit, lively structure, delicate pineapple fruit and nectarines on the finish, a fine salty touch on the finish, youthful, white apple on the finish, great length, certainly further ageing potential, has an almost unbelievable freshness, captivating delicacy and impressive aromatic breadth, has now reached perfect drinking maturity, impressive depth. (10/6/23)"

96+ points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "This particular magnum of Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siécle” non-vintage Brut had been in my friend’s cellar for six years. This was before the Maison began labeling each release of the wine, but based on when it was released and given that this bottling is aged at least a dozen years sur lattes prior to disgorgement and release in magnum format, this means that this is Iteration Number Twenty-Three. If my math is correct, then this bottling hails from the base year of 2006, though as Grand Siécle is now made from a blend of three vintages, the cuvée also included wines from 2004 and 2002 vintages in the blend. The respective vintage percentages are sixty-five percent 2006, twenty percent 2004 and fifteen percent 2002. The final cépages ended up being fifty-eight percent chardonnay and forty-two percent pinot noir for Iteration Number TwentyThree. It is an utterly stunning wine and in magnum, still in climbing mode and will be even better five years down the road! The gorgeous bouquet soars from the glass in a mix of apple, white peach, brioche, a complex base of chalky minerality, a touch of caraway seed and a topnote of orange peel. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied, complex and very precise, with a superb core of fruit, outstanding mineral undertow, refined mousse and a very long, zesty and impeccably balanced finish. This is brilliant Champagne! 2024-2065. (Mar/Apr 2024)"

96 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Being released in magnum, the NV Brut Grand Siècle #23 is showing beautifully, mingling aromas of peach, pear, fresh pastry, citrus oil, buttered toast and white flowers. Full-bodied, fleshy and ample, it's elegantly gourmand, with fabulous depth and a long, expansive finish. This is a blend based on 2006, complemented by 2004 and 2002. The volume and texture characteristic of the 2006 and 2002 vintages take the lead here, with the 2004 bringing supplemental aromatic complexity. One of the more demonstrative recent renditions of Grand Siècle, this is a fabulous choice for drinking over the next decade or two. Drink: 2020-2040. (Mar 2021)"

96 points Essi Avellan, MW: "50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir, This blend combines the generosity and voluptuousness of 2006 and 2002 to the racy finesse of 2004. This is truly a rich one, so creamy with age-mellowed power and lots of complexity waiting to gradually express itself in the glass. Notes of coffee with cream, white pepper, white flowers and gunpowder alongside the pear and apple fruitiness. Not the smokiest or tightest of the Grand Siècle magnums but a caressing one that sits at that perfect place between youth and maturity in magnums. 96 points today in magnums. (Jul 2021)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "[$600/1.5L list] Racy acidity sculpts this finely detailed Champagne, and a rich vein of minerally smoke and oyster shell underscores the layered flavors of poached apricot, ripe raspberry, biscuit and candied lemon peel. Linear and focused at first, before expanding on the creamy palate. Reveals hints of crystallized honey, fleur de sel and chopped almond on the lingering finish. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Tasted from magnum. Drink now through 2027. (12/15/22)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The NV Brut Grande Cuvée Grand Siècle No. 23, tasted from magnum, is fabulous. It offers up scents of backed apple tart, pear, spice chamomile and dried flower in a creamy, resonant style that is hugely appealing. Of course, the magnum format is so magical for Champagne. Drink this soft, understated Grand Siècle over the next decade or so. Drink: 2022-2032. (May 2022)"

95 points Charles Curtis, MW (Decanter): "Iteration No. 23 is the current release in magnum. The blend is 2006 (65%) with 2004 (20%) and 2002 (15%). The Pinot Noir (42% of the blend) is from the Grande Montagne, and the Chardonnay (58% of the blend) is from Côte des Blancs. The colour is a deeper gold, and the aromas are slightly more exotic, with notes of lime peel, passion fruit, pomelo and smoke. The texture is silky but complete and round, and the wine lingers winningly on the palate. This marvellous wine is accessible now but can age for decades to come. Drinking Window: 2022-2055. (Jan 2022)"