Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2015 (75cl, 12.5%)

A prestige cuvée Champagne from Veuve Clicquot, founded in 1772 in Reims, blended from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay sourced across eight Grand Cru vineyards. The 2015 vintage was aged on its lees for a minimum of seven years before disgorgement, with a dosage of 6g/L. The nose opens with fresh minerality and delicate floral tones of jasmine and acacia, then white fruit and citrus including Granny Smith apple, pear, clementine and lemon zest, with subtle white pepper and chalky minerality. The palate is silky and enveloping, with ripe apple and blackberry, candied ginger and mandarin orange peel, medium to full body, refined mousse and generous texture. The finish is long and persistent, with toasted brioche, smoke and a chalky mineral thread.