Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose 1998
Rosé
from Champagne, France
winemaker's notes:
A luminous, deep gold/red and a persistent, fine mousse. The rich, intense nose displays notes of dried fruits (black figs, dates) and mild spices (vanilla) in harmony with a softer, almost creamy base. On the palate the texture is deep, dense and tightly woven. The structure of the pinot noir is perfectly rounded. Gracious notes of black cherries and raspberries dominate the finish. The exceptional flavor and taste of this truly great Champagne make it a magnificent accompaniment to fine cuisine, or it can be enjoyed as an apéritif for its own superb merits.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VINTAGE:
1995 began with a mild winter and budburst occurred during the second week of April. After a short cold spell, the flowering was ecellent, due to hot, almost summer-like weather. Ripening was very raped and picking began on September 21st. This is a vintage that will age very well.
Components:
Exclusively from the 8 Grand crus vineyards purchased by Madame Clicquot in the 19th century.
• 37.5% Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger)
• 62.5% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims and Grand Vallée de la Marne (Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Aÿ)
• 15% still Pinot Noir (Bouzy)
critical acclaim:
"Intense, penetrating copper-salmon hue; small bubbles and impressive mousse. Concentrated, aromatic mélange of red fruit, mineral and citrus. Similar elements burst forth on the palate in a sensory blaze. Red fruit and citrus are beautifully balanced with harmonious notes of minerals and biscuit in the background. Displays exceptional finesse without losing its power. Very long finish with red fruit aspects followed by an engaging sense of minerality."
97 Points
The Wine News
"Copper-tinted pink with a strong mousse Intense aromas of redcurrant, rhubarb, wild strawberry, poached pear and rose petal, with complicating Asian spice notes. Full and rich, with plenty of heft to the broad red berry and cherry flavors and a solid core of acidity giving lift to the wine. Finishes spicy and sweet, with superb depth and a lip-smacking impression of minerality."
92 Points
International Wine Cellar
