Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne La Grande Dame 2008

97-98 points Tyson Stelzer (The Champagne Guide): "(8% chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, 92% pinot noir (37% Verzy, 23% Bouzy, 14% Verzenay, 14% Aÿ, 4% Ambonnay); 60–70% estate vineyards; aged 9-10 years on lees; 6g/L dosage; cork). Still a sensationally bright, pale straw hue, as it was on its release, profound for 92% pinot noir! The precision of citrus and bright red berry fruits on display here is mesmerising, still as brilliantly primary and youthful as the day it was launched two years ago, projecting decades of potential yet. There's real pinot presence here, charged with an impressive and deep core of black and red cherry and fig. The focus and tension of 2008 is built with the body and richness of pinot noir to spectacular effect, uniting the freshness of a core of more than 50 percent Verzy and Verzenay with the intensity of Bouzy and Ambonnay, and the toning restraint of a touch of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger chardonnay. This combination tactically builds restraint, crunch and energy in this tense season, screaming out for a long time to tame and calm. It unites all the enduring potential of its thundering crus with the energy of this legendary season, colliding high-tensile acidity with deep, fine, powdery chalk minerality that brings its finish into stark focus and hovers in suspended, undeterred animation very long indeed. While it lacks nothing in forthcoming confidence now, every time I come back to it I cannot help but feel that there is yet much in its folds which it is reluctant to reveal. Later tastings from more recent disgorgements begin to unravel the tremendous creaminess of structure instilled by long lees age and rising layers of toasty, biscuity, nutty complexity that build tremendous character to its spicy, primary fruit presence. This is a La Grande Dame that has been intricately engineered by a master for the long-haul, with decades of potential unravelling before it. I cannot wait to see what it reveals at two decades and beyond! (Edition VII; 2024)"

97 points Michael Edwards (Decanter): "A classic, slow-maturing year picked into October. It's a pale, pristine hue - a beautifully assembled mix of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Aÿ, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Verzenay and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, combining saline-wrapped orchard fruits with great Pinot Noir subtlety yet strength. THE aperitif Champagne, but also try with sea trout. Drinking Window: 2020-2030. (2/18/19)"

97 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Medium yellow gold, silver reflections; fine, lively mousse. Ripe yellow fruit, apricot and pear underlaid with pleasant toasty aromas with hints of fig and brioche. Juicy and powerful on the palate, pronounced core fruit, well-structured acidity, a hint of nougat on the finish which is accompanied by salty, mineral nuances; an elegant, multi-faceted food wine. (11/19/20)"

96 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2008 Champagne La Grande Dame is forward, with a luxurious perfume of honeysuckle, tropical fruit of papaya, and buttered citrus. The mousse is rounded, with an opulent texture, and it does finish dry, with orange marmalade, ripe melon, and chestnut. Its driving and impressive acidity will make this worthy to cellar and enjoy over the coming 20 years. Disgorged March 2019. Drink: 2022-2042. (11/7/22)"

96 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "92% Pinor Noir: Ambonnay (4%), Aÿ (14%), Bouzy (23%), Verzy (37%), Verzenay (14%), and just 8% of Chardonnay (Le Mesnil-sur-Oger). Dominique Demarville wanted to replicate the classical La Grande Vintages of old by maximising the expression of Pinot Noir (92% in the case of 2008). Biscuity aromas to the fore, with notes of Almond and chocolate. The palate has a firm line of acidity that gives way to stone fruits mid-palate, the aromas turn full circle and close down to a long, chalky minerality on the finish. The long lees aging has enriched the wine with a complex, yeasty richness that feels immediate, but experience tells me to wait for the fruit to build. Should give us long-term potential pleasure. Biscuity aromas to the fore, with notes of Almond and chocolate. The palate has a firm line of acidity that gives way to stone fruits mid-palate, the aromas turn full circle and close down to a long, chalky minerality on the finish. The long lees aging has enriched the wine with a complex, yeasty richness that feels immediate, but experience tells me to wait for the fruit to build. Should give us long-term potential pleasure. (2/18/19)"

95 points Wine Spectator.

95 points James Suckling: "Still very youthful, this proves that pinot noir can give super-elegant, cool and tightly focused Champagne. Toastiness and spice build on the very long and tightly wound finish. Almost a blanc de noir with just 10% chardonnay blended into the overwhelming majority of pinot noir. Drink or hold. (11/24/21)"