Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne La Grande Dame 2015

95 points John Gilman (View From the Cellar): "It had been a few months since I last tasted a bottle of the 2015 La Grande Dame, which I tasted as it was being released. The wine is settling in beautifully and is now drinking with impressive precision and complexity. As I mentioned four months ago, the wine is crafted from a It is composed from a cépages of ninety percent pinot noir and ten percent chardonnay. The 2015 was disgorged in October of 2021 and finished with a dosage of six grams per liter. The wine’s aromatic constellation is deep and complex, wafting from the glass in a refined blend of peach, apple, warm bread, a lovely foundation of soil tones, gentle smokiness and a distinctive note of caraway seed in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, complex and full, with a beautiful core of fruit, lovely soil inflection and grip, very elegant mousse and a long, focused, complex and impeccably balanced finish. Just an outstanding vintage of La Grande Dame! 2023- 2065. (May/Jun 2023)"

95 points Wine Spectator: "This graceful Champagne offers hints of smoke and toasted brioche that transition to patisserie apple and blackberry fruit, candied ginger and mandarin orange peel notes. Seamlessly knit and mouthwatering, with a minerally underpinning and a finely detailed, dotted bead. Lush and creamy on the vibrant, lasting finish. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Drink now through 2035. (3/31/23)"

95 points Falstaff Guide: "Medium golden yellow, silver reflections, fine, persistent mousse. Fine nuances of baked goods and almonds are underpinned by yellow tropical fruit, ripe ringed limes, nuances of acacia honey and mandarin zest. Complex and full-bodied on the palate, silky texture, nuances of plums point to the Pinot Noir dominance of the cuvée, delicate blossom honey, mineral and persistent on the finish, good freshness in the aftertaste, a balanced, already accessible food companion. (Deg. 10/22) (10/6/23)"

95 points/'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$220 list] This fine Champagne is rich and beautifully structured. It is full with fine maturity, boasting layers of ripeness against the generous texture. Drink this impressive wine now. Alcohol 12.5%. (Dec 2023)"

93 points James Suckling: "This is sleek and vivid with aromas of green apples, lemon peel, lime blossom, salted almonds and pastries on the nose. Medium-bodied and refreshing with lively acidity throughout and tiny bubbles. 90% pinot noir and 10% chardonnay. Drink or hold. (9/2/23)"

Producer notes: "90% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay. Blend of 8 grand crus. Held up to the light, La Grande Dame 2015 reveals a beautiful, golden robe that sparkles brightly. This solar vintage, while elegant and precise, offers fresh minerality with light floral notes of jasmine and acacia on the nose, which evolve into fruity notes of pear and clementine. As for the first sip, it envelops the palate with a delightfully subtle, silky texture. Dosage 6g/L."