1997 Laurent-Perrier - Grand Siecle Cuvee Alexandra Rose Champagne Blend - France - Champagne - Rose

($75) Pale orange-copper color. Subtle, musky aromas of raspberry, smoke, earth and minerals. Big, rich, creamy and seamless, with gentle red fruit flavors framed by a firm edge of iodine and minerals. Wonderfully ripe, satisfying rose with superb extract. Very long, building finish.

I cannot for my life understand why Laurent-Perrier makes a jump from 1990 to 1997! This wine did not have a chance when the best cuvée de prestige rosés on the market were to be picked out in Paris in 2005. It feels as though it is in some way an own goal to produce such a young wine when Dom Ruinart is still selling their wines from the 90s. Whatever the case, this is of course a very good wine, even though I prefer the white version as usual. Nice mineral tones and a shy, focused fruitiness with good potential. Where is the 96?