Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998

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BN#182566

Veuve Clicquot

La Grande Dame is a unique wine, with its own place in history, and presented in a flawless bottle evoking the simplicity of traditional shapes. It is made from eight historic Grand Crus. Beneath the freshness and delicacy of Chardonnay lie the rich aromas of Pinot Noir, emblematic of Veuve Clicquot's tradition.

Wine Enthusiast

A superbly ripe Champagne that has all the open generosity of the 1998 vintage. Peach and apricot aromas are followed by flavors of hazelnuts, honey and spices. Of course, it is still very young, and, like all vintages of La Grande Dame, it will age for many years.

Score: 92. —Roger Voss, November 01, 2006.

Wine Spectator

There's plenty of finesse in this sleek Champagne, along with an airy texture and loads of grip. Graphite, lemon, toast and mineral aromas and flavors prevail, and this takes on a chalky edge on the lingering aftertaste. Best from 2010 through 2028.

Score: 92. —Bruce Sanderson, December 31, 2008.

Wine Advocate

he house’s 1998 La Grande Dame reveals notable clarity and precision. This focused, poised wine emerges from the glass with well-articulated flowers, pears, smoke, crisp apples and minerals in a medium-bodied style. The wine appears to have enough freshness and sheer depth to support another decade or so of aging. La Grand Dame represents a significant step up from the estate’s other wines. In 1998 La Grande Dame is 64% Pinot Noir (Ay, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy) and 36% Chardonnay (Avize, Oger, Mesnil-sur-Oger). This is Lot 510 2572, disgorged between December, 2006 and January, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2018.

Score: 90. —Antonio Galloni, December 2008.