Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut Champagne 750ml

90pts Wine Advocate A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, the NV Ultra Brut evokes nuts, white peach, brioche, blanched almonds and flowers, followed by a medium to full-bodied, delicate and juicy palate. It's perfectly balanced, with a pinpoint mousse and a long, mouthwatering finish. Based on the 2016 vintage and complemented with wine from 2015, this cuvée showcases finesse and elegance. Drink Date: 2024 – 2030 Published: Oct 24, 2024 Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing Terroir Laurent-Perrier’s Ultra Brut is sourced from around fifteen of Champagne’s finest crus, each chosen for its exceptional balance of ripeness and natural acidity. The vineyards are primarily located in the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims, where the cool, chalk-rich soils help preserve freshness while imparting a signature mineral tension. These parcels of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir benefit from excellent drainage and reflective light from the chalk, which helps grapes achieve ideal physiological maturity — crucial for crafting a zero-dosage Champagne. Only in vintages that deliver grapes of extraordinary ripeness and purity does Laurent-Perrier release Ultra Brut, ensuring that its balance is achieved entirely through terroir rather than sweetness. Winemaking & Technical Notes First released in 1981, Ultra Brut was a groundbreaking style for its time, pioneering the modern “Brut Nature” category — Champagne without any added sugar after disgorgement. The cuvée is typically composed of 55 % Chardonnay and 45 % Pinot Noir, blended from multiple top crus. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel to retain precision and purity, followed by a minimum of six years ageing on the lees to develop subtle complexity and texture. No dosage is added, leaving the wine with a total sugar level of less than 3 g/L. This long lees ageing, combined with the meticulous grape selection, provides the finesse and depth that balance its bright acidity and bone-dry finish. Tasting Notes In the glass, Ultra Brut gleams with pale gold brilliance and a fine, persistent bead. The nose is delicate yet precise — aromas of fresh citrus peel, green apple, pear, and crushed chalk mingle with faint floral tones of jasmine and honeysuckle. On the palate, the Champagne is razor-focused and crystalline, offering a vibrant interplay of citrus zest, white peach, and a whisper of brioche. A striking saline minerality emerges mid-palate, carried by vivid acidity that lends structure and tension. The finish is exceptionally clean and enduring, echoing notes of flint, lime and sea spray — pure, linear and elegant. Food Pairing & Service Serve well-chilled (around 8 °C / 46 °F) to highlight its precision and minerality. Its complete dryness and freshness make it an exquisite match for oysters, sashimi, ceviche, or grilled langoustines. It also pairs beautifully with delicate cheeses, vegetable terrines or even lightly spiced dishes, thanks to its saline core and clarity.