Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rose, Champagne, France 2012

One of Champagne’s most prestigious and rare vintage rosés, Alexandra Rosé is produced only when the finest Grand Cru Pinot Noir and Chardonnay achieve perfect maturity in the same year. The exceptional 2012 vintage brings together fruit from the Grand Crus of Ambonnay, Bouzy, Mailly and Verzenay for Pinot Noir, with Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger supplying the Chardonnay. Aged for approximately 10 years in the cellar, this is a Champagne of extraordinary depth, complexity and elegance.

The deep blood-orange hue leads into an expressive bouquet of crushed strawberries, wild cherry and pomegranate, layered with blood orange, delicate spice and toasted pastry. Rich and enveloping on the palate, it balances concentrated red-fruit flavors with a fine, persistent mousse and beautifully integrated acidity. Savory mineral notes and a hint of bitter orange carry through an exceptionally long finish.

99 points, James Suckling