After a long absence, Veuve Clicquot’s prestige cuvée – La Grande Dame 2015 – is once again available in South Africa. Their flagship wine is named in honour of the indomitable Madame Clicquot – the woman who revolutionised the Champagne industry.
Antonio Galloni calls it ‘an expertly made Champagne by any measure’. The 2015 is gastronomic, pure and vibrant with a medium-bodied frame, a creamy mousse and an exceptionally long finish. Expect to find notes of pear, white flowers, and crushed rock. With a drinking window of 15-20 years, it’s definitely a banker purchase.
Aged for a minimum of seven years before release, this crown jewel was first produced in 1972. The presence of Pinot Noir from cooler sites has slowly been increased since 2008, and the 2015 is 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay.
Tasting Notes:
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015
‘The 2015 La Grande Dame is superb. Bright and vibrant in the glass, it impresses with its energy and focus. The 2015 packs a lot of intensity in its medium-bodied frame. Tasted after the 2012, the 2015 has a bit less body in the mid-palate but more explosive energy leading into the finish. Pear, white flowers, crushed rocks and slate lend tons of character. The 2015 points to the more modern style of Grande Dame today, now that the Pinots are increasingly sourced from cooler, north-facing sites. This is an expertly made Champagne by any measure.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 95/100
‘Since 2008, Veuve Clicquot has increased the Pinot Noir in this blend to 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay. The 2015 Champagne La Grande Dame is a bright silver/yellow hue and is fresh and ripe on the nose, with lovely purity. Medium to full-bodied, it has a refined and rounded mousse, wonderful length, and purity with a lot of freshness. Don’t sleep on these wines. Drink over the next 15-20 years. 6 grams per liter dosage.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, 95/100
