Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 2004 Vintage

The Veuve Clicquot flagship expression is also one of the most recognisable champagnes in the world, thanks to its trademark yellow label. A non- vintage Brut Champagne, the Yellow Label is a blend ( or assemblage) of some 50 to 60 different crus, with a traditional composition of 50- 55% Pinot Noir, 1520% Pinot Meunier, and 28- 33% Chardonnay.

What’s unique about the Yellow Label among other non- vintage Brut champagnes is the high proportion of reserve wines used ( 25- 35%, sometimes as high as 40%), some of which have been aged up to nine years.

“There are two things that are quite distinct about this champagne – the nose is very yeasty and bready, like toasted bread. The toastiness comes from the old wine we use,” Casenave said.

“Secondly, the texture on the palate – because of the heavy pinot noir

The highlight of the afternoon was undoubtedly the one they call “The Grand Dame”, named after the Widow Clicquot herself. All the wines in this particular vintage are from 2004.

“We get the grapes for this champagne from eight different villages: Ay, Bouzy, Ambonnay, Verzy, Verzenay, Avize, Oger and Le Mesnilsur- Oger, all from vineyards owned by Madame Clicquot,” said Casenave,