Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label (9L, 12%)

A non-vintage Champagne from Reims, blended from roughly 55% Pinot Noir, 15% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay. Up to 45% reserve wines from the house's library are used, and each bottle is aged a minimum of three years in the chalk cellars beneath Reims. This 9L Salmanazar format is equivalent to twelve standard 750ml bottles. The nose opens with bright grapefruit, citrus peel, white peach and quince, followed by toasted almond, warm brioche and a subtle anise note. The palate is focused and racy, with green apple, lemon, pear, vanilla and hazelnut over a fine mineral streak. The finish is medium-long, with biscuit, kumquat and chalky minerality.