97 Points 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.
95 Points 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.
94 Points Vinous
The 2018 La Grande Dame is a very pretty wine that shows the contemporary style that is prevalent here these days. Floral overtones lift a core of citrus fruit, while marzipan, anise, mint, dried pear and spice open with a bit of coaxing. The 2018 is a delicate Grand Dame, as most Champagnes are in a vintage in which yields were exceptionally high. I especially admire the finesse here. Disgorged: September 2024.
94 Points James Suckling
A lovely perfume of subtle cooked apples, heather, jasmine and flint follows through to a medium body with a dense palate of fruit. Hints of pears and lychees with some honey and a touch of marzipan. A blend of 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay. Drink or hold.
Winemaker Notes
Experience the purest expression of Pinot Noir with La Grande Dame 2018. This year, Veuve Clicquot unveils the 2018 vintage of La Grande Dame, a celebration of Madame Clicquot's unique vision, drive and audacity. Now, in this 25th vintage of the cuvée, discover the expression of a centuries-old craftsmanship and an unprecedented year, offering a maturity of grapes close to perfection. From a harvest when the sun was truly smiling. Blend: 90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
