Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame 2015
To the eye, La Grande Dame 2015 presents a color with bright, golden glints. The initial nose reveals a strong, aerial and delicate attack. Once opened, the wine has notes of dried fruits (almonds, figs, apricots), ripe white fruits (pears) and finishes on subtle toasted notes of hazelnut and praline. These pastry notes create a perfect balance with the freshness and clarity of the blend. The attack in the mouth is strong and clean. La Grande Dame 2015 has a silky texture on young fruits, supported by citrus and notes of red fruits (cherry). The Pinot Noir is extraordinarily distinguished by its freshness, minerality and power. La Grande Dame 2015 is a perfect balance of complexity, structure and power. These characteristics unite to create an elegant balance of freshness and structure, highlighted by a perfect dosage (6 g/l) that resonates with the potential of this vintage.
95 pts Wine Spectator
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.
94 pts Decanter
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.
This is sleek and vivid with aromas of green apples, lemon peel, lime blossom, salted almonds and pastries on the nose. Medium-bodied and refreshing with lively acidity throughout and tiny bubbles. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay. Drink or hold.