Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2018 Champagne (75cl, 12.5%)

La Grande Dame 2018 is the prestige cuvée of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, a Grand Cru Champagne from Champagne, France. It is made from 90% Pinot Noir from the Grand Cru villages of Ambonnay, Aÿ, Bouzy, Verzenay and Verzy, with 10% Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. The wine was vinified using méthode traditionnelle and spent five years ageing on its lees before disgorgement in February 2024 with a dosage of 6 g/l. The bouquet opens with jasmine, honeysuckle, yuzu zest, fresh pear and lemon oil, with verbena, quince, fresh almond and subtle honey beneath. The palate is vibrant and silky, with citrus, green apple, patisserie pear, almond biscotti and spun honey, then candied orange rind, pickled ginger, coconut cream and saline minerality. The finish is long and precise, with chalky texture, lingering citrus, subtle smoke and anise.