2015 Veuve Clicquot ‘La Grande Dame’ Champagne

TP98 With 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay from eight Grands Crus, this marks the 24th vintage of La Grande Dame since its inauguration in 1972. And what a finely wrought vintage it is already, with verve equal to its supple polish. Joining Bosc pear, sweet brioche, and lemon curd on the nose are fascinating nuances of smoke, stony minerality, and petrichor as well as jasmine and ginger; while the rippling palate builds steadily through peach and Asian pear to pomelo and tangerine peel to tangy sumac and white pepper on the finish. Stylish as ever. (The Tasting Panel)
WS95 This graceful Champagne offers hints of smoke and toasted brioche that transition to patisserie apple and blackberry fruit, candied ginger and mandarin orange peel notes. Seamlessly knit and mouthwatering, with a minerally underpinning and a finely detailed, dotted bead. Lush and creamy on the vibrant, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2035.
DEC94 2015 shows off the sunny fruits of the year with more grip and intensity than the 2008 and 2012. Fleshy orange, red pear, dried pineapple and chewy grapefruit peel build on a firmly structured frame, although there is a suppleness of nougat and acacia honey lurking in the middle that promises to emerge with a little patience. The bustling energy of the vintage is sitting proud for now, bitter almond and fruit skin building to an energising close despite the moderate acidity. An edition that will perform especially well at the table. 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay from 8 Grand Cru villages. Dosage 6 g/L.
Estate Notes: Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 offers floral notes (acacia, jasmine) alongside white fruits (Granny Smith apple, pear), citrus notes (grapefruit, clementine, lemon zest), and white pepper, ginger, chalk, and stones. Blend: 90% Pinot Noir; 10% Chardonnay