Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Brut 2018

Decanter

The long sunny days and warmth of the 2018 vintage has provided glowing stone and citrus fruit to this glorious Grande Dame. While the initial attack plays on various riffs of lemon oil, verbena, orange rind and grapefruit, it's the deeply mineral and tightly wound core that surprises most with this wine, and this is what will ensure its long-term ageing potential. Delectable candied orange rind builds to a crescendo of yuzu and coconut cream. A luminous and energetic iteration of La Grande Dame.

Tasting Panel Magazine

With a freshness undiminished by its largesse (and vice versa), the 25th vintage of La Grande Dame—a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay—is simply gorgeous as intense sensations of apple and pear lead the way to tangerine and lime flesh and peel, nectarine, pink ginger, a touch of strawberry, and subtleties of toffee-nut bread and spice. Its lilting cadence is punctuated by a saline streak that only elongates the resounding finish.

Richard Juhlin

Pekka Nuikki

Tastingbook.com

Wine Spectator

This finely detailed Champagne teases the palate with pinprick-sized bubbles and lightly mouthwatering acidity, a harmonious frame for flavors of patisserie pear and cherry fruit, pickled ginger, almond biscotti and spun honey. This is subtle at first but expands beautifully on the palate, and the long, minerally finish echoes smoke and oyster shell notes. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Disgorged February 2024. Drink now through 2040

Wine Enthusiast

Buttered croissant with raspberry jam and a faint lift of rose makes for an indulgent nose. The palate is energetic and creamy, with brisk acidity keeping ever¬ything in balance. A subtle chalky finish provides refined depth. Seamless and effortless, it's one that will disappear quickly in the glass.

Falstaff

Yellow-fruity, elegant and nuanced with hints of quince jelly, chamomile, brioche and dried apricots. Complex, long-lasting and powerful on the palate, with a perfect balance between ripeness and acidity. The well-placed dosage supports the fine texture and lets the flavours shine. Fine yeast perfume in the finish – an elegant, true grande dame.

Vivino

(19444 bedømmelser, set over alle årgange, 02-09-2026)