Grande Réserve 1984 – Weingut Peter Lauer.

A Time-Defying Elixir: Weingut Peter Lauer’s 1984 Grande Reserve Sekt.

One of the things we love to do is visiting wineries, learning from the horse’s mouth and enjoying wines with the people that live and breathe these wines and their vineyards every day. In March 2022 we were welcomed at Weingut Peter Lauer in Ayl, one of our Mosel favorites. And during this visit we got surprised by a remarkable wine, which never really was mend to be, a Grande Reserve Brut Nature made from Riesling grapes. 

Producing sparkling wine (or as it is called mostly in Germany Sekt) is really not Lauer’s everyday job. The winery is mostly known for their world class still Rieslings, ranging from dry to fruity and sweet. At a point in time they started a small project that focused on producing sparkling wine. A project tugged away in a corner of the cellar, where the wines aged and aged, for decades. 

Two of these vintage reserve wines just got released, after being disgorged in February 2022. The oldest one, the 1984 Grande Réserve, was ours to taste. Made from Lauer’s best Grand Cru sites in the Saar valley, this rarity matured on the yeast for over 36 years.

About the Wine

Indulging in the 1984 Grande Réserve by Weingut Peter Lauer is not merely an act of tasting; it’s an immersion into the artistry of traditional sparkling wine production. Crafted using the revered Method Champenoise, this Sekt is a testament to the Saar region’s century-old tradition of excellence in sparkling wine.

This vintage speaks of a meticulous process that has transcended time. Disgorged in 2022, it showcases the winery’s unwavering commitment to quality. The patience invested is evident in the nuances of the flavor profile that unfold on the palate. 

The journey from vine to bottle is marked by a patient maturation process. Aged for decades on the lees, the 1984 Grande Réserve undergoes reductive maturation storage, resulting in an ethereal symphony of aromas. The nose is greeted with a dance of ethereal spices, pine needles, smoke, and the rich sweetness of dried fruits. The perlage, while subtle, reflects the careful craftsmanship that has gone into every aspect of this sparkling wine’s creation.

A distinctive feature of this Sekt is the preservation of its youth, achieved through the protective embrace of the yeast within the bottle. This biological shield prevents oxidation, preserving the liquid within and culminating in a drink that defies the passage of time.

Upon tasting, the notes of liquorice, walnuts, soy, and even whispers of barbecue sauce come alive, offering a sensory tapestry that is unmatched. It is a unique experience that pairs beautifully with aromatic, mature cheeses, and robust, herbal dishes. The Sekt’s complexity elevates fish dishes, such as sashimi and oysters, while also lending itself as a tantalizing complement to curried white meat.

The recommendation to allow this Sekt to breathe in large red wine glasses is a gesture towards unraveling its hidden depths. With each passing minute, the bouquet unfurls and evolves, revealing the intricate layers that have been locked away for decades. Unlike typical aperitif-style sparkling wines, the 1984 Grande Réserve is best enjoyed with food or after a meal, serving as a grand finale to an exquisite dining experience.

Conclusion

Weingut Peter Lauer’s 1984 Grande Réserve is not just a sparkling wine; it is a masterpiece of time and craftsmanship. A sip is an immersion into tradition and a journey through flavors that have matured gracefully over the years. Whether you are a connoisseur or an adventurous epicurean, this Sekt promises an exceptional tasting experience that transcends mere refreshment.

We are honored that we were able to taste this treasure on our visit at Weingut Peter Lauer, and extremely happy we got to buy a bottle for our private collection. Without a doubt it is fair to say this is a unique wine, and although sparkling wines are not Lauer’s core business we are happy that this special project found its way to us wine lovers. 

We award this golden beauty with a 95-point DWA score.

The Lauer Sekt’s are produced in extremely low volumes and released in batches. The winery sells these wines directly and the 1984 and 1992 vintage are for sale. Both were disgorged freshly in 2023.

This wine is reviewed by Niels Aarts. 

Price:                          €89

Taste date:                March 2022

Score:                         95/100 DWA Score

Website:                    Weingut Peter Lauer